Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s vile comments about migrants have no place in Dublin Central, one of the most diverse constituencies in the country, according to Social Democrats Dublin Central by-election candidate Daniel Ennis.
Councillor Ennis said:
“The last few years have seen a rise in hate and exclusion towards those who seek refuge, asylum or simply a better life in Ireland. Mr Ahern’s vile rhetoric only serves to further the agenda of those who seek to divide us by spreading fear throughout our communities.
“I entered politics to fight against this hatred and discrimination, which I saw first-hand through my work in East Wall. I watched as innocent children and their families were targeted by the local ‘Says No’ protests, which sought only to dehumanise a group of vulnerable people due to the colour of their skin, the sound of their voice and any of their other perceived differences.
“What I learned is, you can’t hate up close, It only takes one interaction and an open mind to see our shared humanity. Through my work with people of all backgrounds at East Wall Bessborough FC, I learned that the main obstacle to integration is those who seek to further their own warped agendas by sowing seeds of division.
“Fianna Fáil’s Bertie Ahern was happy to tow this odious line on the streets of Dublin Central, choosing hate over integrity, happy to promote discrimination for a vote. This is the opposite of the leadership our community needs – and it is deeply disappointing that those comments were made by a former Taoiseach of this country.
“Dublin Central needs voices which will hold the Government to account for years of poor policies and underfunding across housing, childcare, community facilities and public safety. Not a voice like Bertie’s, who blames the country’s problems on some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“I welcome Fianna Fáil’s comments distancing the party from these hateful comments, however, the party’s own rhetoric and actions surrounding immigration have been coarsening for years now. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan approach to immigration reform has lacked humanity, often scapegoating migrants for his Government’s own failings.
“We strengthen our communities by bringing people together. We need more voices that will promote integration, not fear and hatred of others. Fianna Fáil should now clarify if Mr Ahern is going to continue canvassing for their by-election candidate, John Stephens.”
May 13th, 2026