It is interesting to note that Ireland's Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan has spoken about the racial abuse he suffered while working in London during the 1980s. He said he felt 'powerless and isolated' by the anti-Irish racism he encountered.

It is to be welcomed that an Irish minister acknowledges the reality of anti-Irish racism in this country. However it is rather disappointing that the experiences of the Irish abroad have not lead to a more welcoming environment for newcomers to Ireland today.

Conor Lenihan's colleague, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern, has has just come out to defend the treatment of the Nigerian priest, John Achebe. He was arrested, strip-searched and sent to Cloverhill Prison when he arrived at Dublin Airport on 9th September. Although he had a valid tourist visa, he was detained on suspicion of trying to enter the country illegally. It took the intervention of the Nigerian ambassador to secure his release.

Ahern claims the treatment of the priest was standard practice with adherence to "all the necessary legal and administrative procedures".

I wonder if Fr Achebe felt powerless and isolated whilst been strip-searched - perhaps Conor Lenihan could give us his opinion.