DCAR warns of increased hostility towards immigrants from those seeking election
Eva Osborne
Dublin Communities Against Racism (DCAR) is warning of increased hostility towards immigrants from politicians seeking election.
DCAR said, with polling day just a matter of weeks away, it has already seen signs of mainstream parties playing the "race card".
South Inner City community activist and DCAR spokesperson, Damien Farrell, said it is "certain" that members of government parties, racists and far-right candidates will stoke tensions and "scapegoat immigrants" to gain votes as the election date approaches.
DCAR said it has already seen government figures echo the sentiments promoted by "racist rabble rousers".
Taoiseach Simon Harris recently stated that “homelessness numbers are heavily impacted by the fact we are seeing many people seek protection in our country”, while former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated that the “majority of people think that the (immigration) numbers have been too big in recent years, and they’re right".
DCAR said these comments are, in effect, little different from those made by the "openly fascist National Party who have ridiculously claimed: 'There is no housing crisis, it is an immigration crisis'."
These comments are designed to deflect from the fact that the housing, rental and homeless crises have all worsened during Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s years in power and are caused by the economic policies they have consistently promoted, DCAR said.
The network of activists said it is no coincidence that these comments have been made in the run up to an election, where it seems most likely Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will return to power, "ably assisted by the racists who have conveniently targeted opposition parties and independents rather than the Government".
Homeless activist and DCAR spokesperson, Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais, said: “These comments were made very publically by senior Fine Gael leadership figures.
"One can only imagine what their candidates will be saying on the doorsteps while electioneering. Sadly, we know they will be exploiting anti-immigrant tensions in both their canvassing and election material."
DCAR said it will be monitoring and highlighting those using these tactics to boost their own vote, and will pay "particular attention" to Government party candidates who are echoing the "hate and venom of the violent racists and committed far-right candidates".
DCAR spokesperson, Helena McCann, said: "We call on all voters who are genuinely concerned about the issues affecting our communities, our families and our country not to be fooled by these tricks, as they are a cheap political ploy.
"They are designed to guarantee more of the same policies for the next five years, and an increase in division in working class areas".
