Rise of the far-right: Irish Mirror poll reveals majority believe it poses significant threat to Ireland

Gardai on Dublin’s O’Connell Street during the Dublin riots

A clear majority of people believe the far-right poses a significant threat to Ireland, an Irish Mirror poll has revealed.

The Dublin riots on November 23rd last year shocked the nation – and sparked a national debate on the far-right in Ireland.

This week, we reported how Junior Minister Anne Rabbitte said It is “only a matter of time” before a far-right politician is elected to Leinster House

In an interview with the Irish Mirror, the Fianna Fáil TD stated that the prospect is “very concerning”.

In September, there was a large demonstration outside Leinster House to mark the first new day of the Dáil term.

As the day progressed, the protests became more tense as protestors were videoed surrounding and shouting at politicians as they walked up and down Kildare Street.

TDs, Senators and staff were trapped in Leinster House at one stage as the gates at the Merrion Street entrance were blocked and cars were unable to leave.

Minister Rabbitte told the Irish Mirror that politics and attitudes have changed in recent years and that things have “taken a twist”.

The Irish Mirror asked readers for their view in a poll that asked: “Does the far-right pose a significant threat to Ireland?”

By the middle of this week more than 2,600 readers had their say.

A majority of 1,475 said ‘yes’, they believe the far-right poses a significant threat, while 1,094 voted ‘no’. A total of 110 voted ‘don’t know’.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin recently criticised the ‘far right’ as he said that the recent protests at the Dáil were a “new development” and that aggression towards politicians is “worse now” than before.

The Tánaiste said that the Government is “heading back to stronger security for public representatives”.

Mr Martin said: “I’ve had different periods in politics. It’s not the first time I’ve ever been challenged by people on the far left, I would have been stopped in the streets with cameras and phones as well over a decade or two and now the far right are at it.

“I remember what happened John Burton, which was not a nice thing at that time.

“I would think it is worse now, following some of the narrative on social media.”

He continued: “What we saw on the Dáil some weeks back was a new development. I hadn’t seen that kind of hate in evidence and just sheer aggression without any coherent thought process.

“I would be strong on protecting the rights of citizens to walk their streets and I would be particularly strong on the right of parliamentarians to walk the street.

“I take issue with that and I really get angry about that as an individual.

“We are in a republic. We must accept diversity of opinion, we must accept people’s freedom to protest.

“I’m entitled to walk out of Leinster House. I’m entitled to walk anywhere.”

Mr Martin said he has been “stopped” and “harangued” by members of both the far right and far left.

He also said that some of the commentary from these cohorts, including comments about international protection seekers is “appalling”.

Mr Martin argued “talk that goes on with some of the far right” sees young male asylum seekers “called rapists overnight”.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.