The Eoin Hayes blackface scandal is a distraction from real racism

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has apologised for what he did, and that matters — if we never allow anybody to apologise, where is the accountability?

Eoin Hayes' apology doesn’t excuse what he did, but people need to be given the chance to apologise and atone for their mistakes. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

When the photo of Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes in blackface from a 2009 party surfaced at the weekend, it caused a predictable, and at the same time, unfortunate storm. 

His actions at the time were offensive and unacceptable. We get that. Blackface is racist, always has been, always will be. Not a lot of people understand the history behind blackface and don’t get why it’s offensive. After all, he was “impersonating” a US president. However, there’s a more serious history behind blackface.