Madam, - I have generally felt that Dermot Ahern was one of our more sensible politicians. My view changed on reading his argument as to why illegal Irish immigrants in the US should be more favourably treated than the Afghans who recently went on hunger strike in Dublin (The Irish Times, May 25th). "They're not the same," he said. That is the only part of his appalling statement that I agree with.
If the Irish "illegals" are sent home they are unlikely to be killed, are likely to have a reasonable chance of a good job and in general will have a much better chance to achieve whatever goals they have set for themselves. Sadly, even the most optimistic would not expect the same for the Afghans were they to be deported.
My own family benefited hugely from generous immigration procedures, particularly in the US and Canada, and I live in the hope that our country will mirror these arrangements during our time of success.
I wish the Irish and the Afghans well in their hour of suffering and I hope most, if not all of them, will succeed.
- Yours, etc,
JIM CASEY, Granitefield, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
A chara, - One should not be surprised, I suppose, when members of an establishment praise and defend the system of government over which they preside. President McAleese, Bertie Ahern, Michael McDowell, Dermot Ahern seem - in their words of praise for our asylum system - somewhat unfeeling towards the plight of those caught in that system. Our immigrants in the US are far more important and their case is much more legitimate, if I can unravel what Dermot Ahern seemed to be saying in Washington last week (The Irish Times, 25th May). And, of course, some Government politicians find it hard to keep the smile from their faces as they refer again and again to the praise of the UNHCR for our asylum system. Such is the view of authority looking down.
However, the view from below is very different, as anybody who knows any asylum seekers will tell you. Some are afraid to speak out in case their criticisms will damage their case for asylum.
As a struggling Catholic, I am very disappointed at the lack of positive leadership from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and other establishment figures in the Catholic Church. They cannot hide forever behind the church's collective guilt over child abuse.
I remember a time, some years ago, when Irish priests and nuns were taking brave and principled stands on social issues here and around the world, encouraging us to look at an issue with the eyes of the poor and with the ears of the oppressed. What has happened to this great Christian approach? Where has it vanished to? Has it been crushed by the powerful and by their plausible words which give great succour to those, including some in the media, who show no understanding or acceptance of those who differ from themselves?
I am a friend of one of the Afghan hunger-strikers in St Patrick's Cathedral. We have shared many happy times and I have also seen some of his deep sorrow. I have the utmost admiration for him. He would be an asset to this country if he could work. We have seen the similarities between our different faiths. He is a gentle man of peace, he longs to see differences between peoples accepted, he wants to work for democracy. What drove such a man to hunger-strike?
This man is my friend. He is and always will be welcome at my table.
- is mise
SEÁN Ó RIAIN, Gairdíní Bhaile na Lobhar, An Charraig Dhubh, Co Bhaile Átha Cliath.