IF Ann Winterton had said that an Irishman had been thrown off a train as they were 10 a penny in her country, there would have been hilarious laughter and she would still be in a position as opposition rural affairs spokeswoman.

I and my fellow countrymen have been the butt of jokes for years and some were discriminated against when it came to seeking accommodation, but no government of the day passed any laws to protect the Irish against prejudice or insult.

But the Irish are renowned for having a sense of humour and have contributed a lot to the construction of roads, canals and the railway network, but the most essential characteristic they possess, as they have shown in whichever country they have settled in, is that of integration (when in Rome do as the Romans do).

I don't excuse Mrs Winterton, or anyone else, especially those who are in a position of power, being so stupid telling jokes of a racialist nature, but she made the mistake of thinking that she was in surroundings where she had an audience which would very much appreciate this type of humour.

What a costly mistake -- the loss of position in the Tory party which she and her husband have loyally supported for years.

Let this be a lesson to all those who would encourage bigotry in what they think are safe surroundings.

Name and address received.