Extremism warning: Don’t tolerate the intolerant

FREE speech is a non-negotiable cornerstone of liberal democracies. Europe showed this after the murderous attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris.

A right cherished with equal conviction is a society’s one to defend itself from attack or anyone who might assault its core values.

That means the concern expressed by Irish Muslim leaders that two extreme Islamists are scheduled to speak in Dublin must be taken seriously and acted upon if necessary. One speaker has been characterised as a pupil of a “a giant within conservative Salafi Islam”, and the other is a member Kuwaiti government committees, including one on sharia law. The event is organised by a Kuwaiti student organisation, Thabat.

One Irish Muslim leader warned that these men are “well known” Salafis, who adhere to a more strict, orthodox doctrine. “Salaffi and Wahibbi ideology is about spreading extremism and sectarianism,” said Imam Al-Saleh of the Milltown mosque, citing their fascist views towards Shia and Sufi Muslims, Christians and Jews.

This country has endured a long and bloody history of Christian bigotry. Because of this, we should not be in the slightest way be apprehensive or apologetic about denying these men entry to our inclusive republic if their mission is to radicalise, generate hatred or provoke violence.

Looking on with our arms folded is not an option.