'Lowest common denominator politics': Clashes in Dáil during migration debate

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said that the Rural Independents is 'pandering to the far-right' and using dog-whistle politics to the detriment of people seeking asylum in Ireland

(Left to right) Michael Collins, Carol Nolan, Mattie McGrath and Richard O'Donoghue of the Rural Independents who described Ireland’s approach to immigration as an “open door” and “reckless” policy. File picture: Sam Boal /Rollingnews.ie

There were clashes in the Dáil chamber on Wednesday during a debate on migration, as the Rural Independents accused the Government of taking a “reckless” approach to immigration.

A motion brought forward by the Rural Independents focused on Ireland’s approach to immigration, describing it as an “open door” and “reckless” policy. The group is made up of Mattie McGrath, Carol Nolan, Michael Collins, Richard O'Donoghue, Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae.