Time for a zero refugee policy? - *Read OP for mod warnings - updated 11/5/24*

Technically yes, an open border is defined as one that enables free movement of people between jurisdictions with no restrictions on movement and is lacking substantive border control. I assumed you didn't mean that since our border has entry restrictions and isn't lacking border control. Or are you aware of exactly how our border operates?

Now are you going to answer my question or are you too scared to?

Wow, if this comes to fruition then it is a totally farce and serious questions will need to be asked. Will Ukrainian refugees get a double week social welfare payment for Christmas also?

Aontu all the way. I like Peadar Tobin, met him a few times when I worked in Navan years ago. He is honest, straight and puts Irish people first. Aontu is gaining popularity and support each day.

Fair enough - I was listening to The Late Debate on RTE last night and they speculated that Aontu might indeed be the party that benefits from the 'anti-immigration' vote (if it can be called that) at the next election.

Who says they have nothing to pay for? Are you honestly suggesting that a Ukrainian immigrant doesn't need to pay for clothing, travel, communication, prescriptions, personal care and a host of other sundries, especially if they have kids?

Or would you rather that money was held in bullion in Justin Barrett's safe?

Yes that's totally relatable to somebody fleeing a government trying to kill them

This poll tracker has Aontu chugging along at circa 2% since the last election, with no surge that I can see in response to the current immigration furore

That sort of rating gives them zero chance of more than 1 seat

Fair point. Surely all those things can be rectified by reducing their rate to subsidise the services they receive, same as anybody else who gets means tested. Its an easy structural fix, no need for a hysterical zero immigration response. From a simple humanitarian standpoint though, it's no reason to refuse people fleeing war and persecution. This is simply what standing up for human dignity looks like; making some room at the table and sharing from your plate.

On the same programme, they were making the point that Ireland tends to be a complete outlier - votes that would go to 'right wing populists' in other European countries tend to go to independents here (perhaps because of the historical absence of any right wing populist parties in the Dáil).

I don't think there's any decent human that would dispute or have objections to anyone fleeing to here under the circumstances when Ukrainians initially came here. I'm sure you remember, there was an outpouring of empathy for their situation.

Unfortunately, things started going sour when money was a factor and both providers of services who had to gain from their situation rubbed their hands in glee, and recipients of such generosity realised they were on a good thing and the floodgates opened.

The unfairness of it all became apparent after a few months. Examples such as modular housing was discussed for Ukrainians, when years of homeless Irish were ignored. Suddenly we want to house strangers and give them supports while people here have been crying out for shelter with a long time. We continue to build modular housing, and happily ignore homeless families living in hotels.

Putting aside the ridiculous pocket money Ukrainians are getting, we are now being told that our government are considering leaving then off home to Ukraine for Christmas. It's hilarious to think that,not alone have they a disposable income most of us would love, but now we'll give a double children's allowance, and double social welfare week, just on time for them to catch a flight home for a bit. Home to the wartorn bounty they fled from. Thing is, there hasn't been a peace deal, there isn't an amnesty allowing folk back home as a ceasefire has-been called by Russia...it's still the same place they fled from ..

Meanwhile, we've lower paid workers, some not from this country, who are paying their way throug high rents and high food costs, but they can't afford to go home for Christmas. Instead they will serve those in hotels that are gaining financially from this, and see them go home for a holiday, while they service their rooms and await their arrival back in the new year.

It's awfully wrong and unfair.

Airy Fairy's post sums up a lot of how this whole thing stinks, and ordinary Irish citizens are talking about it. They may not protest outside the Dail, organise rallies or use megaphones but the disquiet is starting to become everyday conversation. This will not end well.