On Thursday evening, a sequence of minor altercations took place as officers from the Public Order Unit led away multiple individuals engaging in an anti-immigration demonstration from O’Connell Bridge. Previous exchanges encompassed heated words with anti-racist counter-demonstrators, but the event remained mostly peaceful.
Substantial Garda forces, fences, and numerous members of the Public Order Unit kept the conflicting groups apart when they met at the foot of Grafton Street. The two sides hurled verbal attacks at each other – including calling each other “traitors” and filmed the confrontation. Some protesters physically threatened the counter-demonstrators from behind the Garda barricade, using malign gestures and pointing.
As the march against immigration passed the police cordon, the counter-protestors engaged in a back-and-forth chorus, including calls of “Welcome to refugees, racists not” and “Stand up, fight back when migrants’ rights are threatened”.
The counter-picket was arranged by the coalition group Unite Against Racism and saw representation from People Before Profit among other left-leaning organisations.
Those protesting against immigration waved signs representing local objections to the placement of international protection applicants (IPAs) in communities in Dublin and Wicklow – evident from banner slogans like “Dundalk Says No” and “Coolock Says No”.
The anti-immigration demonstration, scheduled to coincide with the new term starting at Dáil Éireann, proceeded on Molesworth Street, in close proximity to Leinster House’s gates. Their approach to the House was obstructed by strong barriers and the presence of Gardaí.
Leading figures involved in the anti-immigration protest included Kildare councillor Tom McDonnell and local election candidates Ben Garrigan and Michelle Keane, who failed in their attempts. The rallying cries from the crowd declared “Sinn Féin are traitors”, “Fine Gael are traitors” and “Get them out”.