Mayo View: Understanding of the plight of others is key mark of being Irish

A year on from the outbreak of war in Ukraine, a great deal of analysis has been taking place on the impact on all of our lives as a result of Russia’s action.

The biggest impact of all, of course, was on the people of Ukraine, forced to leave their homes as a result of their towns and cities being bombarded and attacked insistently.

In what has been described as ‘a monumental generational effort’, Ireland has responded well by accommodating thousands of them.

In fact, between Ukrainians and asylum seekers, this country has provided refuge for 75,000 to date.

This is unquestionably the greatest humanitarian effort in the history of the state and it is something from which all Irish people should glean pride and, indeed, most do.

Unfortunately, however, there has been a rise in recent months in racism, xenophobia and fear-mongering as a result of misinformation spread on social media and in communities across the country, including Mayo.

Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman has spoken about the vilification of men, in particular, who come here seeking international protection.

Some of these men have been tortured while others have been exploited. They have come here to seek refuge and they have been denigrated as something to be feared.

The minister is right in his assertion that the majority of Irish people want to see Ireland respond positively to the humanitarian crisis that has occurred in eastern Europe and other countries.

They do not want, he stated, to see our country walk off the pitch when challenged. Considering Ireland’s own history, it is important we are compassionate to other countries who have fallen on hard times.

He elaborated: “International protection means fairly and humanely examining a claim for asylum, sheltering and supporting people while that claim is assessed, and giving people the right to stay here in safety where it is judged that that right is needed.

“We should not be ashamed of doing that or shy away from it. We should not be quick to vilify these people either because our deep history of emigration means we have an instinctive understanding of the plight of those who have sought to make a better life for themselves elsewhere.”

This has been a monumental generational effort. In the midst of these difficult days, it is important that we do not forget the scale of Ireland's response.

An understanding of the plight of others is a key mark of being Irish.

The rise in the movement of those opposed to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers to our nation is, nevertheless, a worry.

It is entitled to its opinion, of course, in a democratic society - but it’s wrong, misguided and has political motives that have yet to be fully revealed.

This movement is not a reflection of Ireland and its people.