In the latest issue of Hot Press Magazine, editor Niall Stokes writes about the current Irish political climate and the welcome fact that we have not seen a growth in organised racist politics during these last six last years of austerity, emigration and unemployment. It could be argued that we have actually seen a real growth, both electorally and extra-parliamentary, in radical and left politics. Long may it continue. Hot Press, Volume 38, Issue 22, Page 11: In the UK, over the past twelve months, we have witnessed the inexorable rise of UKIP, under the leadership of the grotesque Nigel Farage. Racism and fascism have been gaining currency too in France and elsewhere in mainland Europe. So far, Ireland has avoided this kind of downright brutishness. There have been racist incidents, like the recent attacks on members of the Roma community in Waterford. And there is undoubtedly an underbelly of outright racism in Irish society. But so far it has gained no political currency. Whatever you think of its chequered history, Sinn Fein is resolutely egalitarian in its policies. So are most of the elected independents. The truth is that there is little or no likelihood of any support emerging for a UKIP style party in this country in the foreseeable future. In channeling the contemporary anger of citizens in a direction that is free of the paranoia and xenophobia of the emerging fascist parties of Europe, Sinn Fein and the socialist independents (sic) have done us all a favour. We dont want racism in Ireland. And we dont need it. There is still much to be done before we can start patting ourselves on the back. As President Michael D. Higgins hinted, in a speech during his African visit, the system of direct provision, into which asylum seekers are dumped when they arrive here, is completely inadequate, immoral and wrong. If we really want to be able to hold our heads high as a people then this must be changed. But in the meantime, as Christmas approaches, let us celebrate the diversity of the new Ireland the fact that people of all races, colours and creeds feel more welcome here than ever before. It is, as they say, a start.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:34:09 +0000
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