Mick Clifford: Does Ireland have a problem with right-wing extremism?

Ireland is not immune to racism or bigotry but the GPAHE report is inflating niche groups well above their true stature

The recent Global Project Against Hate and Extremism report on Ireland would appear to be positing the notion that it’s not enough to disagree with conservative groups on abortion, they must also be driven from the temple of decency and categorised with bigots and fascists. File picture: PA

Who exactly determines whether this country has a problem with right-wing extremism?

Last weekend we got a chilling warning about the rise of hate and intolerance. “Growth of far-right in Ireland set to continue according to US monitoring group,” blazed the headline in the Irish Times.