The government must finally make a stand against violent extremism and online incitement, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.<\/p>\n
Deputy Gannon, who is the party\u2019s justice spokesperson, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cRecently released internal documents, as reported in the media, reveal that the government decided to halt the opening of asylum centres in certain areas in response to violent protests and criminal acts. This marks a dangerous capitulation to far-right extremists.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile communities should have their voices heard about local developments, acts of violence and terrorism \u2013 such as arson attacks and threats against security personnel \u2013 are completely unacceptable. These acts, incited by far-right online campaigns, must never be allowed to dictate government policy or decision-making.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe violence has included multiple arson attacks across the country, resulting in destroyed properties and heightened tensions. Yet instead of addressing the root cause – those spreading hate and mobilising mobs online – the government has failed to take meaningful action against those inciting this violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere has been no progress on the six State-run reception centres recommended in the Catherine Day report. Years have passed since these commitments were made \u2013 more than enough time for the government to properly plan and engage with communities. Instead, a complete lack of transparency and leadership has created a vacuum that the far-right has eagerly filled.<\/p>\n
\u201cConcerns should be heard, but not through firebombs or threats. Local services like GPs, schools, youth clubs and sports organisations should be brought into a genuine planning process, working alongside the Department to prepare communities for the arrival of new residents. That\u2019s how solidarity is built \u2013 not by letting arsonists and agitators set the terms of the debate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lack of accountability for those spreading harmful, racist conspiracy theories online is enabling extremism to grow unchecked. As a result, the bar for public discourse around immigration is on the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government is at a critical juncture, facing the reality that a generation is being shaped by harmful voices online.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need more than just reactive measures. The government must take a firm stand against online hate, hold accountable those who incite violence, and ensure that extremism does not define our future.\u201d<\/p>\n
March 24, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The government must finally make a stand against violent extremism and online incitement, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party\u2019s justice spokesperson, said: \u201cRecently released internal documents, as reported in the media, reveal that the government decided to halt the opening of asylum centres in certain areas in response […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11220,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[316,528,673,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gary-gannon","category-immigration","category-misinformation","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n