“Hearts are heavy across the country today, for the children, teacher and witnesses involved in yesterday’s horrifying act of violence in Dublin. We’re hoping for their full and quick recovery, and to see their attacker brought to full justice in court.
The people of Dublin were also subjected to further violence yesterday in the form of destructive mob riots. The displaced aggression spewed at ethnic minorities and migrants is deeply disturbing and dangerous. People are feeling afraid and unwelcome in their own homes today. It is particularly important at this time that we show kindness to ourselves, and that we show respect within and across our communities.
Public representatives and authorities need to ensure that this cycle is not perpetuated, so that public safety can be prioritised and restored. These events need to mark a major turning point in how the authorities respond to anti-migrant and racist sentiment in communities, and how they pre-empt and prevent violence and intimidation. This is a dark time in our history, and we need to see courageous, responsible action being taken now that facilitates social integration and safety across the country.
Local and migrant communities across Ireland need significant support in responding constructively to division in their community, both online and in-person. We need to see public representatives and authorities take a very clear stance on this, in public policies and media engagement but also in the more private, direct engagement with members of their communities.”