Ireland has embraced Ukrainian refugees – why not do the same for everyone else?

While there is no question that my homeland is doing right by the people of Ukraine, such support should be extended to every man, woman, and child fleeing war and persecution from every corner of the world, writes Alice Murphy

There are currently 8,205 people – 2,658 of them children – in DP and emergency accommodation facilities across Ireland (AFP via Getty Images)

Ireland, the Land of a Hundred Thousand Welcomes, has been lauded the world over for opening its arms to desperate Ukrainians fleeing the murderous mania of Vladimir Putin.

Famed for their friendliness and natural inclination for craic, the Irish trade on a reputation for being one of the most hospitable countries on Earth, greeting strangers with smiles and a willingness to help however, whenever we can.

The beaming faces of thousands of Ukrainians safe and well in scenic spots across the Republic strengthen this stereotype in the purest way possible. But a peak under the rug of the state’s ignoble asylum seeker policy suggests such warm céad míle fáiltes are exclusively reserved for a certain kind of people.