Immigrant reps believe FG 'distanced themselves' from racism row

Immigrant representatives are urging the Government to take the problem of racism seriously.

It is after a week which saw the death of a black taxi driver following an assault and the resignation of the Mayor of Naas in Kildare over racist comments.

On Monday, Moses Ayonwole was assaulted in Dublin city centre and later died from his injuries.

The day after, Fine Gael Councillor Darren Scully resigned as Mayor of Naas over comments he made publicly about Black Africans.

Eric Yao, CEO of the Africa Centre, said that while he believes the Fine Gael response could have been stronger, he thinks Councillor Scully deserves a second chance.

Mr Yao said: "I think Fine Gael have been pretty silent on it, they distanced themselves, I'm not sure what they did internally.

"We listened to the statement that was issued by the former Mayor and we think that he has made an error, but I'm a strong believer of forgiveness."