Fine Gael candidates from migrant backgrounds facing “insidious” abuse

Several Fine Gael candidates who come from migrant backgrounds have suffered a “chilling” level of threats and racism, according to Damien English, the party director of elections.

English said he was “disgusted” that candidates are facing abuse on the campaign trail.

The Meath TD said the increasing abuse and attacks on migrant candidates running in elections around the country should “shock and repulse” every right-minded citizen.

English said that a number of the party’s migrant candidates, many of whom are also first-time candidates, have been subjected to abuse, intimidation and harassment for no reason other than their race, gender or ethnicity.

“This is appalling and must be called out for what it is – wrong, sexist and racist – and it will never be tolerated by Fine Gael, or indeed anyone who values democracy or an Ireland where everyone’s rights are valued and upheld.”

Out of Fine Gael’s 339 local election candidates this year, 16 come from a migrant background.

English highlighted some of the issues faced by Fine Gael’s candidates, such as them being threatened and intimidated while canvassing, sustained harassment online from far-right social media accounts in the UK and US, family members and homes being targeted as well as having election posters defaced.

“We are deeply concerned by the increased targeting of local election candidates both online and in-person by individuals intent on spreading division and hatred,” he said.

“Some candidates have been told to ‘f**k off back where you came from” while they canvass or just go about their daily business, while other candidates have also experienced fake social media accounts being set up to discredit them.”

“Family members have been threatened, children have been identified in school and harassed, homes of migrant candidates have been targeted and eggs thrown at them.”

English called the behaviour “utterly reprehensible” and stated “we cannot accept that this is how modern Ireland has evolved.”

He noted that other elected councillors have had their posters defaced and the suspicion is because they supported refugees fleeing war.

“Public and political discourse in Ireland has reached a very serious low. This insidious abuse of politicians and people in public life is a magnification of the day-to-day discriminations and harms that are creeping into our society and we have got to take heed of this now, call it out and take action.”

“We must stand up for the fundamentals we believe in, both as individuals and communities.

“Our political leaders and all of us must unite against the threats of political violence to our democracy. Together, we must ensure that our democratic processes are safe, inclusive, and reflective of our values,” he said.