IN the latest Irish Times ‘Inside Politics’ podcast, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan indicated his biggest immediate concern is immigration. He was quite explicit.

“I have to be careful that the numbers, which were exceptionally high last year – 18,500 people arrived – are reduced, as otherwise we will have a breakdown of social cohesion.”

He said the rate of increase of the population, 1.6% a year, is too high. “Efforts should be made to try to curtail it.”

O’Callaghan said: “The only way we can [curtail it] is through trying to introduce some policies in respect of inward migration.”

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You’ll notice that he didn’t distinguish between migrants and asylum seekers, but since the Republic needs immigrants who are proficient in hi-tech and pharmaceutical industries, it’s clear the policies will bear down on asylum seekers.

It’s also clear that O’Callaghan is going to shadow the policies of Britain’s new hardline Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and that has led him in an unfortunate direction.........

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