I WRITE regarding the letter Mother of the Free (Citizen, August 5).

Shouldn't our first concern be our own people who are living in squalor and poverty - what accommodation are we providing for them? Cardboard boxes!

Is it not better to be housed in a prison and have a roof over your head?

Charity begins at home first and many of our own people would make valuable contributions if permitted to work.

This country is becoming a free-for-all for other nationals and the cesspool of the world.

I agree we should make some contribution as a country towards the refugees, but let's not go over the top.

Name and address supplied.

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