Mick Clifford: In this year of local elections, the far right are on the pig’s back

There is plenty of evidence many local councillors are willing to pander to illogical fears on migration and even compete in turning up the dial of intolerance for the sake of chasing votes

The Shipwright pub in Ringsend, Dublin: An inaccurate rumour took flight that international protection applicants would be housed there. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The year of elections has started as it may well go on. 

Last Sunday, a fire gutted a former public house in Ringsend. The premises of the former Shipwright pub was vacant and had been earmarked for occupation by a State agency. An inaccurate rumour took flight that international protection applicants would be housed there.