Identity – the key to the migrant crisis and Ireland’s future

As the refugee crisis in Europe reaches breaking point, Brian O’Flynn appeals to the sense of nationalism that is hardening so many hearts towards the desperate migrants. He points out that anti-immigrant sentiment is largely a British import and that our true Irish identity is much more generous.

Identity:  “The set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group. The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity”

Identity by its definition seems inhering, deep-rooted and permanent, but in reality can be fragile. It is founded in circumstance and context; even in physical objects. What would we be without our homes, our families, our communities? When these foundations are shaken, identity loses its foothold and nebulises.