Racist crime - Courts must issue stiffer penalties

THE inexorable rise in racist crime, especially physical assault, is an extremely worrying trend.

According to figures from the Racial and Intercultural Office, the gardaí dealt with 159 racial incidents in 2006, up 50% on the previous year.

This underlines the urgency of tougher action against mindless people who think their status is somehow enhanced by assaulting, or generally making life miserable for foreigners who now make up over 10% of the population.