OUR councillors and TDs are the people’s voice, and they need, now more than ever, to speak up against racism and bigotry in Limerick and anywhere else it raises its ugly head.
Excuse me now for darkening the mood, but enough.
In one shocking incident earlier this month, a man from Limerick’s migrant community was set upon in not one but two separate incidents. He was hospitalised after the second shocking attack.
Clearly those involved in the violent attack were unsatisfied that our Gardaí — tasked with enforcing the State’s laws and maintaining public order — were satisfied that the alleged conduct of the same man was “not of a criminal nature and was nothing untoward”.
The Limerick I love has a proud tradition of being a welcoming and inclusive city. Vigilantism, hate groups, racism, and intolerance are the unwelcome guest and must be sent packing.
The Limerick I love every damp grey corner of is tolerant, understanding, and all the better for its inclusivity and diverse standpoint.
Thankfully, some local councillors have proven themselves to be true leaders of their communities and shown the conviction to speak out against such repugnant xenophobia.
It’s not easy to speak out, especially when you are surrounded by such hatred and ignorance, so kudos to those local representatives brave enough to do so.
Unfortunately, whether it’s due to the fear of reprisal, political backlash, or personal safety, only a very small minority of our local politicians have been in any way vocal against the scourge.
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan is one such lionhearted warrior. Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler and Labour TD Conor Sheehan are made of the same stuff. They are always among the first to step up and condemn racist attacks.
After the recent attack, Cllr Elisa O’Donovan, as she always does, jumped to our beloved city’s defence.
“People born outside Ireland, including myself, make up almost half of our city centre population. Migrants come to Limerick for great opportunities to work, to study, and to live. These targeted acts of harassment against migrants add to a culture of feeling unsafe and fear in our city centre,” she told this publication.
“I am urging the people behind these assaults that they are spreading disinformation, violence, and hate within our city. As a local councillor, I will do everything I can to support communities built on safety, kindness, and mutual respect and support.”
Former Mayor of Limerick Cllr Daniel Butler also condemned the attack, as he has always done during his time on the local authority. A proud Limerick son, Cllr Butler encapsulates the very best of our compassionate qualities.
“Such vile acts have no place in our society and stand in direct opposition to the values of respect, equality, and human dignity. Racism, in any form, is a scourge that must be confronted wherever it appears,” he insisted.
Limerick Labour TD Conor Sheehan also stood firm on the frontlines in the fight for tolerance and inclusivity.
“Racism of any sort has no place in our city. This is not who we are,” Deputy Sheehan commented.
“Limerick has always been a welcoming city. We must eradicate the stain of racism wherever we encounter it and I will work with all communities in Limerick to make our city a better and more inclusive place.”
We need to hear more strong voices such as these from our elected representatives.
To quote Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan: “Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.”
