Community Unites against Racism:

Following the racist attack that drove a black family from the area, the local community has united in condemning the thugs who carried out the attack. They are the same ones who cause misery in our community by their anti-social activity. Now they give the area a bad name by driving out our defenceless black neighbours. This attack highlights the failure of the police to respond quickly and effectively to anti-social activity and the neglect of the area by the main political parties. It also shows how anti-immigrant feeling can end up in violence.

Racism on the Rise:

Since the passing of the so-called Citizenship Referendum there has been a rise in attacks on immigrants in Dublin. Fianna Fail and PD politicians are partly responsible for creating a racist atmosphere because they try to blame immigrants for various problems. These same politicians are the ones to blame because they look after the interests of the wealthy and ignore the needs of working class communities.

For example the lack of housing has nothing to do with immigrants: it’s because only 5,000 council houses were built in the whole country last year even though there are 48,000 families on the waiting lists. Yet the Government can put millions into an Equestrian Centre in Kildare! Obviously horses are more important to them than people!

Loyalist Links:

There is always a danger that those involved in racist attacks will link up with organised racist/fascist groups. In Ireland the main racist groups are the loyalist UDA/UVF who have added immigrants to their list of targets as well as their usual attacks on Catholics. They have linked up with the British National Party, a Nazi group from England who have been involved in the past in attacks on Irish people in Britain. The BNP has tried, unsuccessfully so far, to link up with racists in the south.

A message from John O'Neill:

‘The vast majority of people in Finglas South are decent people. As chairperson of Finglas South Community Development Project I am well aware of the great work many people do to improve their community. As a member of the Finglas Anti-Bin Tax Campaign I know how strong the community is in defending the rights of all. I know we can work together to root out racism and anti social activity. If you would like to discuss this matter with me, please contact me 087-6367175.’

Issued by the Finglas branch of the Irish Socialist Network