A chara, - The remarks of the Fine Gael Councillor, John Flannery, in relation to Travellers are obviously poisonous. They have caused a huge amount of hurt to the Travellers in our area, as I'm sure is the case all over Ireland. Travellers, young and old, are in a state of disbelief that someone could speak of them in such an incredibly horrible manner.
The swift response from the Fine Gael party is welcome. But an apology, withdrawal and even an expulsion from the party, while they should happen, would not be enough, because this is not just about Mr Flannery.
Can any good come of this for Travellers? Yes. It serves to highlight the fact that there are some people, with completely anti-Travellers views, holding positions in health boards, local authorities and other bodies charged with provision of very important services to Travellers.
Is it any wonder that there has been so little progress on the provision of adequate services when people with such extreme views are invested with power in the decision-making process regarding that provision? Many statutory bodies with such responsibilities are blocked in their work by people of Mr Flannery's persuasion or similar.
We call on all members of such bodies to publicly disassociate themselves from these views or resign. The situation highlighted by Mr Flannery begs for a root and branch examination of these bodies, to expunge themselves of such negativity.
We are in the process of asking all public representatives in our area to do just that, and we urge other groups around the country to tag the taggers. - Is mise, Gearoid O Riain,
Northside Travellers Support Group, Coolock, Dublin 17.