Migrant Political Candidates in Dublin Face Abuse and Intimidation
Fine Gael's migrant-background candidates report threats and racial abuse during election campaigns, highlighting issues of racism and harassment.
Migrant Fine Gael election candidates have reported receiving serious abuse and threats while canvassing, including being told to “f*** off back home.” One local election candidate told the Irish Mirror that he has now contacted the Gardai to report an incident where his election team was told to take down his posters and to “f*** off back to where you came from.” Out of Fine Gael's 339 local election candidates, 16 are from migrant backgrounds.
Damien English, the party’s director of local elections, mentioned that nearly all of these migrant-background candidates have been targeted.
Incidents include threats and intimidation while canvassing, sustained harassment online from far-right social media accounts based in the UK and US, targeting of family members and homes, and the removal and/or defacing of election posters.
Linkwinstar Mattathil Mathew, originally from India, is a first-time Fine Gael candidate running for a seat in the Artane-Whitehall ward for Dublin City Council.
His family members work in healthcare, and he describes social care as his “passion.” His campaign team faced hostility while putting up election posters, with threats made to take the posters down.
Mr. Mattathil Mathew, who has lived in Ireland for 20 years, stated that this incident was unprecedented in his experience.
He has reported the incident to the Gardaí and mentioned that though he does not wish to press charges, the authorities were notified to prevent recurrence.
Baby Pereppadan, a Fine Gael councillor in Tallaght South and originally from India, reported facing similar hostility in past campaigns, though the current campaign sees less abuse compared to 2019.
Damien English stressed that candidates are being subjected to abuse due to their race, gender, or ethnicity, calling such incidents appalling and unacceptable.
He urged these racist instances to be recognized and condemned, stating that they contradict the values of democracy and rights in Ireland.
These issues illuminate a broader challenge faced by migrant candidates in Ireland's political landscape, resonating with concerns over racism and the impact on democratic participation.
Damien English, the party’s director of local elections, mentioned that nearly all of these migrant-background candidates have been targeted.
Incidents include threats and intimidation while canvassing, sustained harassment online from far-right social media accounts based in the UK and US, targeting of family members and homes, and the removal and/or defacing of election posters.
Linkwinstar Mattathil Mathew, originally from India, is a first-time Fine Gael candidate running for a seat in the Artane-Whitehall ward for Dublin City Council.
His family members work in healthcare, and he describes social care as his “passion.” His campaign team faced hostility while putting up election posters, with threats made to take the posters down.
Mr. Mattathil Mathew, who has lived in Ireland for 20 years, stated that this incident was unprecedented in his experience.
He has reported the incident to the Gardaí and mentioned that though he does not wish to press charges, the authorities were notified to prevent recurrence.
Baby Pereppadan, a Fine Gael councillor in Tallaght South and originally from India, reported facing similar hostility in past campaigns, though the current campaign sees less abuse compared to 2019.
Damien English stressed that candidates are being subjected to abuse due to their race, gender, or ethnicity, calling such incidents appalling and unacceptable.
He urged these racist instances to be recognized and condemned, stating that they contradict the values of democracy and rights in Ireland.
These issues illuminate a broader challenge faced by migrant candidates in Ireland's political landscape, resonating with concerns over racism and the impact on democratic participation.
