Sir, - The management committee of this organisation has asked me to write to you regarding recent comments by one of our TDs, Mr Ivor Callely.
There is an insidious undercurrent in Irish society that mirrors the more outlandish statements from the Le Pen/Haider axis in Europe. It panders to the lobby that seeks to marginalise further those who are already disenfranchised, and demeans the reputation Ireland has for the great work by our voluntary organisations abroad. Thus, the much-touted phrase, "Cead mile failte", is tarnished, and will remain so until certain steps are taken.
The board of the Eastern Health Board must distance itself from Mr Callely's statement, and the Taoiseach must break his silence and censure his backbenchers immediately.
In questioning the State's attitude to the refugee/asylum seeker issue, Junior Minister Liz O'Donnell has given expression to the feelings of the majority of the population. She ill deserves the opprobrium of the Fianna Fail backbenchers, who have to accept this is not simply a party problem. It is a national problem, and as such must be aired and discussed. - Yours, etc.,
Desmond Graham, Chairperson, Management Committee, Donnycarney Unemployment Action Group, Collins Avenue East, Dublin 5.