A Chara, - As a Fianna Fail supporter, I write to register my utter disgust at the recent remarks made by An Taoiseach in Australia. During a recent visit to that country, I was deeply disappointed to discover the sheer level of racist ignorance that is endemic in Australian society. Extremist anti-immigrant opportunistic politicians enjoy a disturbingly high level of support, whilst many of their followers yearn for a return of the notorious "white Australia" policy. The United Nations has quite rightly condemned the "detention camps". However, their existence continues to enjoy enormous public support.
Australia deserves to be internationally condemned for its current policy on asylum seekers. The fact that our Taoiseach admires their immoral approach contrasts markedly with his response to the election of Mr Haidler in Austria. Mr Ahern's ill-chosen, idiotic comments in Australia are nothing short of a scandal. - Is mise,
Ruairi Hanley, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.