Sir, - Michael Farrell, co-chairperson of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (September 2nd) says that the ongoing prejudice against travellers in Ireland makes the need for anti-discrimination laws in this country all the more urgent.
I waited in vain for him to balance his letter with a mention of the civil liberties of the settled community in Ireland, but this does not seem to feature on his agenda.
Perhaps he could explain to your readers if the ICCL has offered to defend the civil rights of the settled community, such as the residents of the Dublin Road area of Bray who have to suffer the massive problems created by up to 500 travellers currently illegally camped at the Wilton roundabout, or the residents of Cabinteely who had to suffer 30 traveller families illegally camped in their area last month, and serious vandalism to their local school.
The silence of the ICCL on issues like these is deafening. Are they, in fact, suggesting that all people are equal, but travellers are more equal than others?
Does Mr Farrell consider that the behaviour of some travellers, which is clearly outside the law of this country, has no connection whatsoever with the prejudice he feels is evident against travellers? How does he suggest that these same travellers be made subject to the laws which the rest of the population have to conform to, since they do not identify themselves to either gardai or officials?
The solution, as far as MEAS is concerned, is to issue national identity cards to everyone. - Yours, etc.,
Marian Mangaoang,
Hon. Sec., MEAS, New Ross, Co Wexford.