A Newtown Mother Writes…

Trudder’s River Lodge…

n open letter from Newtown mum Ruth Rogers addressed to Taoiseach Simon Harris, issued on Monday, April 29th 2024…

We need your help or at the very least your acknowledgement and for you to have the decency to not write us off as ‘thugs’. We are parents, we are afraid and we are lost.

Good morning Mr. Harris

I am writing to express my profound disappointment in your recent actions and decisions.

As a constituent, I had high hopes for your leadership and representation, but recent events have left me disillusioned and disheartened. Your lack of action on critical issues, such as immigration reform and police accountability, is deeply concerning and unacceptable. This, alongside your lack of acknowledgement of your neighbours in Newtownmountkennedy has left me utterly dumbfounded how one can be so tone deaf?

Moreover, I am increasingly nervous about the state of our country and the direction in which we are headed. The current immigration laws are not only ineffective but also inhumane, causing unnecessary suffering and hardship for countless individuals and families. Our immigration laws urgently need reform to reflect the reality of our overpopulated and under-resourced country.

The current system fails to address the pressing needs of both immigrants seeking a better life and our nation’s capacity to provide resources and opportunities. As our population grows and resources become increasingly strained, it is imperative that we adopt more compassionate and pragmatic immigration policies that prioritise sustainable integration and equitable distribution of resources.

Furthermore, recent events in Newtownmountkennedy have shaken my trust in our ‘police’ force. The alarming reports of misconduct and abuse of power highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform and oversight within law enforcement agencies. As a citizen, I now fear for my safety and the safety of others, particularly those from marginalised communities who are disproportionately targeted and mistreated.

I implore you to listen to the voices of your constituents and take meaningful action to address these pressing issues. Our country is at a crossroads, and it is up to you to lead us toward a more just, equitable, and secure future.

Sincerely,
Ruth Rogers
A concerned mother in Newtownmountkennedy.

You can read An Garda Siochána’s official statement on last Thursday’s protest clash here, and a press release from River Lodge protestors on March 21st here.