Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the three minutes I have, it would be difficult to fit in all of the outrageous and grotesque behaviours of Donald Trump, not only during his campaign but already in office as President. His comments during the campaign and since have been racist, sectarian, sexist and homophobic. It appears to many that there are no boundaries on what he might say. Comments which only ten years ago would have been considered beyond the Pale for the most right-wing and craven elements in the Republican Party are now tolerated and considered merely controversial. I have plenty of criticisms of previous presidents from Bush to Clinton and, indeed, Obama, many of which are related to domestic policy and may relate to imperialist interventions in foreign countries and unconscionable military actions. However, there are those who would have it that President Donald Trump is being subjected to an unfair level of scrutiny and that progressives and the left are loath to criticise Democrats. Deputy Mattie McGrath made a point along those lines. It is not the case, however. Indeed, much of the last term saw expectations of significant change dashed and, indeed, military interventions, drone strikes and a significant number of deportations which are a stain on President Obama's record. Much of that policy was shameful.

I recognise that President Trump, much as I do not like it, is the legitimately elected US President. That he won the election much be respected. However, we must oppose collectively his extreme, unacceptable and dangerous polices and challenge them on an ongoing basis. The important point about Trump is what he, his words and the executive order represent. He is legitimising hatred. It is now an acceptable policy for the US Government to treat persons from Muslim backgrounds as under suspicion of terrorism. Through his words and actions, he has created a situation where it is acceptable to categorise an entire group of people as a threat to the US merely by reason of their religion or country of origin. It is racism as an acceptable policy. His words have given the far right and neo-Nazis around the world, whatever he is himself, succour and encouragement. He has pushed the boundaries of acceptable debate to a level that is beyond comprehension and which accepts and tolerates racism, sectarianism, sexism and homophobia. The actions of President Trump as regards the executive order are abhorrent to me and anyone with any sense of decency and fairness. The order, which has become known as a Muslim ban, is arbitrary, vicious and racist.

In my last few seconds, I note to the Taoiseach that I am aware he has said he will travel to America despite opposition in the House. It is essential that when he is in the USA, it is not a celebration. He must challenge President Trump in relation to the undocumented Irish and his policies. Not only on St. Patrick's Day but on an ongoing basis, the Taoiseach must make it clear that the policies, words and actions of President Trump are not acceptable to the Irish people.

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