The Ireland For All demonstration in support of migration and diversity attracted about 50,000 people and included organisations such as United Against Racism and the National Women’s Council of Ireland, along with a range of political parties.
TENS of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday to oppose “hatred and disinformation being spewed out by extremists.”
The event was held in response to a number of anti-migrant protests centres housing refugees or asylum-seekers across the country.
Just over 19,000 asylum-seekers are in Ireland, mainly staying in hotels and B&Bs.
Activist and academic Ailbhe Smyth told the rally that the large turnout was important as it sent out a “huge message” to the Irish government.
She said: “Ireland For All is a broad 32-county coalition of activists, grassroots and community groups, NGOs, political parties and trade unions.
“We have come together to celebrate that fabulous rich variety and diversity that is Ireland today.
“We are here to stand up against the hatred and disinformation being spewed out by far-right extremists.
“Their vile racism, transphobia and misogyny, deliberating scapegoating minorities, ratcheting up people’s fears and anxieties, driving a wedge in working-class communities — we will not stand for that.
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“We call on the government to get off its very well-paid bottom and take action to deal with the desperate situation that people in communities all over this country are facing.
“Our message is powerful and simple. We want an Ireland for all.”
Folk singer Christy Moore told the crowd that he was there to express his revulsion at attacks on refugees.
Veteran civil rights campaigner and former Westminister MP Bernadette McAliskey said that everyone in Ireland had to ask themselves: “Are you on the side of humanity, decency, equal rights, or are you on the road to fascism?”
