'Straight out of the Donald Trump playbook': Reaction to Gerard Hutch's comments on migrants

Gerry Hutch called for stricter measures on immigration, including the internment and deportation of people he described as 'illegal immigrants'. File picture: Sam Boal/Collin

Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch has sparked a mixed reaction on immigration among residents of Dublin Central, with some backing his stance and others warning of the potential negative impact on local communities.

Mr Hutch, who is seeking election to the Dáil in the Dublin Central by-election this month, has called for stricter measures on immigration, including the internment and deportation of people he described as "illegal immigrants".

He said: "They should be put in the Curragh, in camps, until they're sorted. Fed, and not given any money, not given any houses.

“The other people coming in from foreign countries, from India and all that type of stuff, genuine people coming in, bring your toolbox. You are more than welcome,” said Mr Hutch.

He added: “But the ones that are Somalians, and them type of people, no way. Interned.” 

The comments come as Mr Hutch attempts to secure a seat in Dublin Central for a second time, having narrowly lost out to Marie Sherlock in the November 2024 general election.

On the streets of his constituency, opinion was divided, and while many locals support him, others wanted to give their views privately.

One woman said she supported Hutch’s position: “I’m with him all the way. That’s what we need in the Dáil, people saying it as it is. We should be looking after our own first.” 

Others, however, rejected his candidacy outright, but did not want to be photographed or named when asked by the Irish Examiner.

One woman said she would not support him regardless of his views on immigration.

“I don’t want him in at all. He’s been involved in crime all his life and should never be allowed into the Dáil.” 

Members of Dublin’s Somali community, many based around Talbot Street and Abbey Street, expressed concern but were reluctant to speak publicly.

One man, aged 25, who said he was seeking asylum in Ireland, described the remarks as worrying.

“When people with a platform say things like that, it can make us all targets," he said. 

"I am here six months and I am studying but how do I explain that if someone confronts me with a racist attitude? Everyone gets targeted. He has probably never been to Somalia anyway."

Another said fear was preventing many from speaking out.

“I’m too afraid to say anything publicly. You don’t want to make yourself known. The Somalian community is very big here in the city and we all know each other, and, like everywhere, there is good and bad. I am very happy here but not everyone wants us here."

A 20-year-old woman added Mr Hutch's comments could lead to people being targeted based on their appearance. 

"I never heard of him but we all know about what he said and now we know him. We don't want someone that can cause us a difficult life."

Green Party councillor Janet Horner also criticised Hutch’s comments, describing them as “prejudiced and harmful” and warning they risk deepening division.

She said: “Particularly singling out the Somali community, that is prejudiced, harmful, and straight out of the Donald Trump playbook.”