Sir, – David McWilliams's article on Ireland's largely positive attitude towards immigration ("Why Ireland leads in tolerance towards immigrants", Analysis, September 29th) was reassuring in this era of extreme polarities and divisions.
However, tolerating something is not the same as welcoming or accepting it. Tolerance is defined as “the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with”.
So, to tolerate immigration is to allow its existence without interference, while not agreeing with it.
“Tolerance” is a loaded word that does not imply approval and yet it is widely used to denote an inclusive, open society. – Yours, etc,
EMER HUGHES,
Newtown,
Moate,
Co Westmeath.
Sir, – It was heartening to read David McWilliams’s article on Ireland’s positivity towards immigrants. I loved his concluding phrase about “the tailwind of tolerance pushing us forward”. Well said, and well done Ireland! – Yours, etc,
ÓRLA SCULLY,
Tramore,
Co Waterford.