When will we tackle racists in our midst?

THE recent coverage of the disgraceful hate campaign targeting Ms Lara Olukunle in Tralee illustrates the chronic need for condemnation of racist behaviour and adequate censure and punishment of all racist acts.

What must happen as a matter of urgency is that our politicians implement all anti-racism initiatives which have been put on hold.

In its Leadership Against Racism campaign, Amnesty International research highlighted the levels of racism in Irish society and the abuse and harassment experienced by ethnic minority people in this country.

Two years on and the leadership we called for is still sadly lacking. Funding for anti-racism programmes has been cut.

There is no sign of the much-needed review of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act. The implementation of the national action plan against racism has been delayed.

In the meantime, institutional racism and racist violence are allowed fester unchecked.

What message does that send out? That the safety and dignity of minorities is only of secondary importance in Irish society?

We need our politicians and public figures to speak out in condemnation of all forms of racism and discrimination and to emphasise that this heinous behaviour is unacceptable and will be severely punished.

Katrina Goldstone,

Anti-Racism Officer,

Amnesty International, Irish Section,

48, Fleet Street,

Dublin 2.