Ireland’s history of humiliating the powerless has a new chapter

Downplaying the lived experience of minorities is not a new thing in Ireland - and it is allowing racism to gain traction

Protesters march in July to the Dáil to protest against an assault on an Indian national in Tallaght. 'Irrespective of its colonial past, Ireland, like any responsible nation, has the obligation to protect at least those who live here already, if not those who come to its shores seeking asylum.' File photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Ireland’s history as a colonised nation and the comfortable centrist narrative that “you can’t be racist and Irish” has created a culture of denial around racism and racist acts which is seriously damaging to the lives of migrants here. 

As our politicians get ready to return to the Dáil, this issue should be front and centre as it threatens to cause irreparable damage.