Ahern calls for a more tolerant society

The Taoiseach has called on Irish people to adopt a more tolerant attitude towards immigrants and reject racism and prejudice.

Bertie Ahern was speaking at New Ross, Co Wexford at the launching of the replica famine ship, the Dunbrody.

He used the ship as a symbol of emigration throughout our history and urged our society not to betray that legacy by turning away people in a similar situation today.

The vessel, which cost £5m to build, will be on exhibition in New Ross in commemoration of those who had to leave Ireland during the famine years.