McDowell ‘unfit to be in charge of Irish asylum system’

Anti-racism campaigners have claimed that Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is unfit to be in charge of Ireland's asylum system.

The Residents Against Racism organisation has accused Mr McDowell of having an ideological obsession with deporting people, regardless of the effects this has on their lives.

The group, which wants the asylum system taken out of the hands of politicians, is due to mount a protest outside Leinster House today to coincide with the resumption of the Dáil.

Speaking ahead of the demonstration, spokesperson Rosanna Flynn said: "Asylum is a human rights issue and it should be treated as such."