Anti-immigrant groups ‘trying to whip up race hate’

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has urged people in rural Ireland not to be “exploited” by “anti-immigrant” groups trying to “whip up” race hate in the aftermath of the Oughterard direct provision stand-off.

Writing in today’s Irish Examiner, Mr Flanagan said that while some direct provision concerns are legitimate, an “insidious and dangerous” trend, in line with international anti-immigrant campaigns, is increasingly apparent, which “I want to call out”.