Ireland is ‘wealthier but more racist’

“WE are wealthier, greedier, more self-centred and racist now in Ireland than we were 20 years ago.”

That’s the verdict of one of the Dunnes Stores workers who went on strike 20 years ago in support of the black South Africans who were suffering shocking discrimination under the apartheid system there.

Karen Guerin believes that back in 1984, when there were very few black people in Ireland, we were more tolerant.

But the latest citizenship referendum, which saw over 80% of Irish people voting to restrict the rights of all babies born here to citizenship, shows how intolerant we have become, she said.

“The way we treat Travellers and asylum seekers is a clear example of that.”

Vonnie Munroe agrees. “It is ironic that people have become more racist with the influx of asylum seekers and refugees,” she said.

Another former striker, Catherine O’Reilly, said Irish people do not understand that asylum seekers would work if they could.

All three are now working with disadvantaged people or doing their best to promote social harmony.

Karen Guerin works with the Kerry Traveller Development Project.

Vonnie Munroe works in a multi-denominational school in Lucan.

And Catherine O’Reilly works with a support group for families whose children are on drugs.

Mary Manning, who was the first worker to refuse to handle South African goods, is now married, has two children and is a full-time home-maker.

Karen Guerin is the only striker to have visited South Africa since apartheid ended. She was appalled to see that the people there are still living in horrific conditions in massive shanty towns. While the African National Congress now holds power, the wealth is still very much in the hands of the whites.

“The only change now is that a black person can talk to a white person without fear of being shot,” Karen added.