Call for calm after protest with ‘racist undertones’

Ireland must not to descend into "mob rule" motivated by "racist undertones" after a 200-strong protest forced three Roma families in Waterford to flee their homes over alleged crime issues in the city.

Equality and New Communities Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin issued the plea after the incident occurred in the south-east of the country at the weekend.

During a four-hour protest at Manor Street in Waterford City between 5pm and 9pm on Saturday, a 200-strong rally hurled abuse outside the homes of three Roma families consisting of more than 30 adults and children.