A chara, - Recent statistics show emigration has slowed down and that a majority of young people are choosing to stay in Ireland, rather than emigrate. The growth in the economy and availability of jobs in Ireland is the obvious reason for this decline in emigration and is in stark contrast to the late 1980s, when over 50,000 people a year were leaving Ireland.
We in Gl≤r an Deora∅ campaigned vociferously to highlight the economic exodus of the period and asked the Government of the time to implement a votes for emigrants policy.
This was denied, primarily on the basis that these emigrants departed out of choice and that it was natural and progressive that people should seek prosperity and satisfy self-development needs in other countries. I recollect debating this issue on the Late Late Show and in other venues with people such as Edward Walsh of the University of Limerick, Seβn Barrett of Trinity College, Joe Foyle and many others.
Many commentators and politicians also subscribed to the philosophy of "the inevitability of emigration".
Now that latest statistics prove beyond doubt that the majority of emigrants left because of lack of opportunity, can we have an admission from economists and politicians that they were wrong? Can we get some recognition that our economic successes have been built partially on the sacrifices of the thousands who were forced to leave?
It may also be an opportune time to revisit the proposal of emigrant representation in Seanad Eireann at least, in recognition of the thousands who left their communities and families for distant shores. -Is mise,
Liam O Cuinneagβin, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co Dh·n na nGall.