Catherine Conlon: Government needs to listen to the marginalised 

The relentless pursuit of growth is inflaming inequality and political instability — and even reduces natural lifespans

The riots in Dublin last Thursday were kindled by a knife attack on Parnell Square involving young schoolchildren and their carer. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins 

The Government needs to listen to marginalised elements of society and be seen to do so — to ensure their concerns are not exploited by elements of the far right intent on sowing division in society, President Michael D Higgins said recently, following riots in Dublin, kindled by a knife attack on Parnell Square involving young schoolchildren and their carer.

"This necessary development, challenging as it may be, of offering economic, social and cultural policies that can improve conditions for marginalised groups and help drive the creation of a more equal and inclusive society, while confronting policies that marginalise ‘the other’ can help confront the exploitative targeting of marginalised groups and their scapegoating in conditions of crisis," the President said.