An informed immigration debate can help curb the politics of hate

IT was cold in Dun Laoghaire on Saturday. Not only was the temperature way down, but there was a biting north-east wind. That was the first thing that made the sight of three men in T-shirts and jeans unusual.

They were the only people on a busy shopping street who weren't wrapped up in coats and scarves.

Young maybe early 20s with close-cropped hair, they didn't walk through Dun Laoghaire, they marched. They were on a mission. Up Marine Road they came from the sea, turning into Georges Street. Down one side, perhaps 100 yards, then back the other. Crossing the street to go into the shopping centre, always packed on a Saturday, they walked the length of the ground floor, then took the escalator up and walked past each of the shops on each level, before finally disappearing into the car park.