Call for planned anti-racism march in Waterford to be cancelled

An anti-racism rally is due to take place in Waterford this afternoon in response to a number of demonstrations against the city's Roma community last weekend.

Almost 200 people gathered last Saturday evening outside the home of a large Roma family - including toddlers and children - and staged a protest in which windows were smashed, and the doors broken in.

Some Roma families had to be evacuated from their homes and are now living at undisclosed addresses.

One man was arrested in connection to the incident but was later released without charge.

Sinn Féin senator for Waterford, David Cullinane, is calling for today's anti-racism rally to be cancelled saying it is vital that peace is maintained in the city.

"The protest which has been organised today has been organised by a group called Waterford Against Racism," Senator Cullinane said.

"I think their motivations are well-intentioned, but I think it would be wrong at this point to bring more people out onto the street.

"Given that we've had now two peaceful nights without protest, I think it would be counter-productive for any group to bring more people out onto the streets..

"I would call on the organisers not to go ahead."