Derek Blighe convicted of abusive conduct after refusing to make charity donation

The anti-immigration activist and unsuccessful candidate had last month been given a month to make the payment of €350 to the Irish Refugee Council

Derek Blighe, who is the leader of the right-wing Ireland First party was an unsuccessful candidate for the party in Cork North Central at the 2024 General Election. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

An anti-immigration activist and unsuccessful candidate in the recent General Election has been convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour in the District Court because he refused to make a charity donation to the Irish Refugee Council.

Derek Blighe, 44, of Croughevoe, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, appeared before Judge Colm Roberts at Fermoy District Court. Mr Blighe, who is the leader of the right-wing Ireland First party was an unsuccessful candidate for the party in Cork North Central at the 2024 General Election.