Letter to the Editor: Community right not to accept unjust asylum centre

The right to protest is central to the democratic process. As well as being threatened by physical force, it is also threatened when smothered by social pressure and slandered with attributions of underhand motive.

The protest against the direct provision centre in Oughterard is a case in point. Protesters have been careful in their use of language, referring to “inhumane direct provision”, rather than simply direct provision, so that their motives are not misinterpreted. Nonetheless, the impression being given is that this protest is motivated by racism and xenophobia. One statement suggested there is something “dark and ugly” associated with the protest. However, we should remember this protest is against the decision by the State to impose upon a local community without consultation. The Department of Justice has stated there would be engagement with locals once a contract has been signed: consultation after the fact.