Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Councillor Ennis said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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\u2019s vile rhetoric only serves to further the agenda of those who seek to divide us by spreading fear throughout our communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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 \u2018Says No\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I learned is, you can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFianna F\u00e1il\u2019s 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 \u2013 and it is deeply disappointing that those comments were made by a former Taoiseach of this country.<\/p>\n
\u201cDublin 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\u2019s, who blames the country\u2019s problems on some of the most vulnerable members of our community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI welcome Fianna F\u00e1il\u2019s comments distancing the party from these hateful comments, however, the party\u2019s own rhetoric and actions surrounding immigration have been coarsening for years now. Justice Minister Jim O\u2019Callaghan approach to immigration reform has lacked humanity, often scapegoating migrants for his Government\u2019s own failings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe strengthen our communities by bringing people together. We need more voices that will promote integration, not fear and hatred of others. Fianna F\u00e1il should now clarify if Mr Ahern is going to continue canvassing for their by-election candidate, John Stephens.\u201d<\/p>\n
May 13th, 2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern\u2019s 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: \u201cThe last few years have seen a rise in hate and exclusion towards those who seek refuge, asylum or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":17661,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[554,725,793,528,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daniel-ennis","category-dublin","category-dublin-central-by-election","category-immigration","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n