Kildare councillor addresses London far-right rally

NEWBRIDGE cllr Tom McDonnell speech before thousands of people at the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally in London, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, has been called “deeply disturbing and hypocritical”.

The Newbridge councillor made a call to unite Ireland and the UK against mass immigration, particularly Muslim immigration, at the rally on Saturday, 16 May.

In his speech he mentioned that he has been “attacked” by the media for “waving my flag in my own country – it’s a disgrace.” He spoke to the large crowd and said that in small Irish towns women are afraid to walk the streets at night and children are not allowed out to play due to mass immigration.

“400 men dock up from god knows where,” he said, before adding: “mainly Muslims.” He then spoke out to US President Donald Trump and said: “Donald Trump, if you’re looking in please do something for Ireland.” He was seen holding a letter addressed to the president on the stage.

Cllr McDonnell continued saying: “We need to unite our flags,” noting that Ireland and the UK need to come together on a “united front.” He continued: “A united front is what we need, because the threat is Islam, and it’s a massive threat coming right through Europe.” Sinn Féin Area Representative for Newbridge LEA, James Stokes, criticised Cllr McDonnell after his appearance at the rally.

He said it was “deeply disturbing and hypocritical” for somebody who claims to be an Irish patriot to publicly associate himself with Robinson.

“Tommy Robinson is not some harmless social media personality. He is the former leader and co-founder of the English Defence League, an organisation synonymous with racism, division and anti-Irish sentiment.” He continued: “This is a man who actively campaigned against the prosecution of British soldiers involved in the killing of innocent Irish men and women during the conflict in the North. For any Irish elected representative to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, smiling for selfies, is beyond disgraceful.” “Tommy Robinson has convictions for assault, passport fraud and mortgage fraud. He has spent years spreading hate, division and fear, particularly targeting migrants and minorities.” Mr Stokes said no Irish patriot should ever stand shoulder to shoulder with somebody who campaigned to protect British soldiers accused of killing innocent Irish men and women during the troubles.

“As an Irish republican, I find it disgraceful that an elected representative from this island would publicly associate himself with Tommy Robinson. Irish republicanism is about standing for justice, sovereignty and the victims of British state violence, not taking selfies with people who defended those responsible for it.” 

“Councillor McDonnell should explain to the people of Kildare why he felt comfortable aligning himself with a far right figure whose politics are rooted in division, anti-immigrant rhetoric and support for British nationalism.” 

Local group, Newbridge For All, also spoke on the news, saying that it “utterly condemns” cllr McDonnell’s speech at the rally.

It also called for Kildare County Council to hold the Newbridge councillor accountable for “actively endorsing a divisive narrative thar runs entirely counter to human rights, social cohesion, and dignity for all.” 

It continued: “We call on all KCC Cllrs to demand action from the KCC Ethics Committee and investigate Tom McDonnell’s conduct. We further call on all Cllrs to withdraw all cooperation with Cllr McDonnell in their functions as Cllrs. We stand united against the far-right and declare loudly that hate and bigotry have absolutely no place in Irish society or in local representation.” 

Cllr McDonnell was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.