Dr. Jim Mac Laughlin:

Social inferiority is clearly a major issue, not only among Travellers but also among European Gypsies. I would argue that one of the strategies they use to transcend the terrible conditions they find themselves in, not so much in the inner city but in these terrible places where they live on the urban edges of contemporary Ireland, is to go on the road again. We must challenge at every opportunity portrayals of Travellers that are highly negative. We must get back to the old simple thing of accentuating the positive. I will not go into the song. Otherwise, this negativity that surrounds Travellers will be exaggerated. Many people benefit from that. It must be admitted as well that the way Irish political culture has evolved over the past 30 years has meant that there are votes in anti-Traveller racism. It has been good politics historically to support those who are vehemently opposed to having Travellers in their constituency. It is a very easy way to play to the political crowd.