Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)

The atmosphere in this country has changed and it is entering into uncertain times. People are at their wits' end with regard to housing, public services, the lack of facilities in their communities and just feeling left behind by this Government. What should be centre stage for this Government is ensuring that this country has functional public services, has a thriving economy and is safe for people who live here and come here for safety. However, what we see is dysfunction and emptiness. People do not feel they can influence or change things that are so desperately wrong in this country. Waiting in the wings are characters who are looking to blame others who have nothing to do with the failures in this country, the failures from the Government. These characters are flooding social media with fear and hatred, and are inciting violence. Desperate people see that and believe that at least somebody is listening to them and maybe somebody might act in their best interests. That is how the far-right playbook is operating and developing.

Now there is fear, dread, violence and intimidation based on people's skin colour or where they are perceived to be from. IPAS centres, which are people's homes, are being attacked and burned down. Recently we have seen attempted murder and serious injury in Dublin 8, in Basin Lane in my constituency, and in Drogheda. Tricolours are being hung all around my constituency, not because it is St. Patrick's Day but to say foreigners are not welcome here. I beg to differ and so do many people in my constituency, including Dublin 8 for All, Inchicore for All and lots of police people who are doing great work to counteract the hate, fear and dread that has been driven into people who are at their wits' end. The lack of urgency the Government has shown in addressing the rise of hatred and violence is unacceptable and dangerous; and there is a risk to life. The Government needs to listen to us, look at what is going on and act.

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