Leaders are no help in battle against racism

THE recent report on how leading European publications had described Northern Ireland as the “race hate capital of Europe” is a distinction the North could well do without.

Already burdened with sectarianism and bigotry, the latest spate of attacks on immigrants there brings shame on those involved and on those who look the other way.

The traditional role models in society whom we looked to for standards of civilised behaviour have been found wanting. Just recently, the outgoing moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Dr Harry Uprichard, refused to attend a service to honour RUC personnel because of the presence of Catholic clergy. This, unintentionally, sent out a message to the bigots and racists that some of us may be of a lesser God.

Furthermore, the leader of the largest political party in the North, Rev Ian Paisley, has consistently refused to share power with representatives of the nationalist community despite an all-Ireland acceptance of the Belfast Agreement which mandated politicians to seek reconciliation, tolerance, mutual trust and a vindication of human rights for all.

Is it any wonder the racist genie is out of the bottle?

Tom Cooper

23 Delaford Lawn

Knocklyon

Dublin 16