Calls for broad mobilisation to face down escalating far right terror campaign.
The riot and arson in Newtownmountkennedy last night is another shocking development driven by far-right agitators and anti-refugee rhetoric. This is the second racist riot in five months. There have been dozens of arson attacks on properties to be used, or rumoured to be used for refugee accommodation.
People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith said “The Dublin riot in November was instigated by the far right. The Newtownmountkennedy riot last night was instigated by the far right. It should be clear to everyone by now that we’re facing a sustained and escalating far-right terror campaign”.
Paul Murphy TD said “Many politicians in the Dáil, Seanad and Councils are repeating the far right’s anti-refugee and racist narratives or engaging in ‘dog whistle’ politics. The far right must be faced down, but the Gardaí, the State, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will not do so. It will be local communities, trade unions, student unions, civil society and the left that will face them down”.
Gino Kenny TD said “Four weeks ago, Josip Strok was killed in Clondalkin in my constituency because racists objected to him speaking his native Croat language. This is the deadly consequence of racism and the far right. The vast majority of people in Clondalkin reject the hate and violence of the far right”.
Richard Boyd Barrett TD said “People Before Profit will redouble our efforts to mobilise broad campaigns against the far right. We will also continue to oppose the neoliberal housing, health and care policies of this and successive governments that do so much damage to our society and create the fear and despair that feeds the far right. We call on all people who are appalled by what is happening to mobilise against the hate and division of the far right and to demand housing, health and care services for all”.