Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday to say that racism and fascism are not wanted in this country. It was an important start to building the militant anti-racist movement we need. Why did gardaí harass anti-racist campaigners as the march began to assemble in Parnell Square? Why were attempts made to prevent members of the Socialist Party handing out placards? Those placards stated simply, "Government and system to blame, not refugees." Why were leaflets confiscated from members of People Before Profit? People Before Profit and Solidarity are writing letters of complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, and the Garda Commissioner and asking for this matter to be investigated. Is the Taoiseach prepared to say that these actions were wrong? Quite simply, they were wrong. They should not be repeated. Anti-racists have a right to put their point of view across. They were doing an important duty on Saturday and what happened was very wrong.

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