Our republic needs respect and intelligence, not ignorant prejudice

SIR,

It amazes me how we as a people turn on our own at times.

We had a man come back from America to put his name on a ballot paper and he condemned the Travellers and those unemployed.

Now, whether Mr Casey likes it or not, and even if Traveller people felt the need to obtain ethnic status to try and improve their lot, they are still our own, as are people on social welfare.

I have no sympathy for those who abuse the law of the land – be they Travellers who are criminals or welfare cheats – as these people should face the full vigour of the law.

But I feel it’s wrong to paint people with the same brush.

There is a culture developing within new entrepreneurs who feel that people on welfare are, somehow, lesser beings. But there are many reasons why people are in receipt of welfare and, of course, there is the highly exaggerated theory of what people receive.

Mr Casey might do well to update his thoughts as the self-employed may well be entitled to a welfare payment shortly in the event of there being a need. But, of course, that’s fine – no debate about that.

The government continues on the path of wasting millions on JobPath and such, claiming full employment in Ireland . The black economy, of course when it suits, is fine for those who think Peter Casey is right.

We would have well over 10 per cent extra employment in Ireland if community employment schemes and such schemes as Tuas weren’t shamelessly abused by Local Authorities and real jobs were created.

A lot of right-wing anti-social thinking people are not back in this country long enough to understand our mixed up view of ourselves .

Those who are criminal, be they Travellers, welfare cheats or white collar crime merchants, should be the focus of the law and not wide ranging generalisations. What we need as a republic is respect, focus and intelligence, not ignorant prejudice. Sincerely

Sean Counihan Ardshanvooly

Park Road, Killarney