Election 2016: Debate on immigration unavoidable

Once upon a time, a guest who had overstayed their welcome could often be seen off by the suggestion that they join the family for the nightly rosary. Forgotten appointments were remembered and the visitor bolted into the shadows barely breaking stride to wish their hosts a good night’s sleep.

A version of that dodge can be used to get rid of unwelcome political canvassers too. It is universally applicable. Ask canvassers about the Eight Amendment — abortion — or how we might respond to Europe’s growing refugee/immigrant crisis and don’t be surprised if the canvassers move on quickly to try to charm less challenging voters.

One of those issues — the huge challenge represented by millions of destitute people continually, and for the foreseeable future, arriving in Europe — was the focus of yesterday’s meeting of world leaders in London, but it is unlikely to feature prominently in discussions about who might be elected to the 32nd Dáil, or how they might deal with the issue if elected. But it should be, because it is one of the defining issues of our time, one that may be utterly destructive unless it is managed humanely and with generosity and grace.