Statement: on the proposed June 7th “anti-immigration” protest in Cork
On June 7th Cork City’s Grand Parade is set as the location for an “anti-immigration” protest. Seeking to exploit working people’s concerns over housing shortages and inadequacies in public services created by the outworkings of the capitalist system, and which have existed for generations, sinister far-right forces seek to exploit concerns and to heighten tensions and draw ordinary people to their positions through lies and manipulation.
So-called “patriots”, waving tricolours and spouting foul, far-right, racist and xenophobic tropes will no doubt attempt to stigmatize migrant workers, refugees and people of colour who have long made this country their home.
Those “patriots” will conveniently forget that Irish people have for generations been compelled to leave these shores to earn a living abroad in the US, Britain and elsewhere, many of whom have faced discrimination, harassment and abuse simply on the grounds that they were “different”. People migrate in the direction of available jobs to support themselves and their families, not in pursuit of something for nothing. Many people arrive in Ireland displaced from their homes by war, conflict or natural disasters rather than choice.
The Workers Party will not permit racism to hide in plain sight. Racism has long been a pervasive issue in our society and racist myths, stereotypes, prejudices and misconceptions have been used to justify discrimination and social marginalization. Almost fifty years ago, the Jesuit, sociologist, and social justice activist, Fr Micheal MacGreil, published his book “Prejudice and Tolerance in Ireland”. His research at the time uncovered a “high and severe degree” of racial prejudice in Ireland. The rise of the far right and openly fascist groups in Europe, the US and Ireland has deepened that intolerance and hatred.
As revolutionary socialists, the Workers Party recognises that there is an inextricable link between racism and capitalism, both as a source of exploitation and profiteering and as a device to divide workers who otherwise have everything in common
In recent years, in addition to the economic benefits, immigration has brought social and cultural benefits. Immigrants to Ireland, like generations of Irish people before them, come to work and build a better life for themselves and their families. It is simply a lie to suggest that Ireland is being flooded with “mass immigration”. Ireland is not full. Immigration to Ireland is below that of many other advanced nations.
There is no evidence that immigrants cause higher unemployment or depress average wages. This is another racist lie, as is the lie that immigrants increase the danger of crime when the reality is that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes or to be incarcerated than native-born Irish people.
The vast majority of migrants to Ireland are an integral part of the working class and they face the same problems as Irish workers. They produce, together with Irish workers, the wealth of this country and create the immense profits of a few capitalists. Irish and migrant workers have the same interests. Racism is the poison used to drive a wedge between workers to obstruct the common struggle for social and economic rights.
"The vast majority of migrants to Ireland are an integral part of the working class and they face the same problems as Irish workers. They produce, together with Irish workers, the wealth of this country and create the immense profits of a few capitalists. Irish and migrant workers have the same interests. Racism is the poison used to drive a wedge between workers to obstruct the common struggle for social and economic rights."
Far from being a burden, the movement of people into the country has enriched its communities, and bolstered its workforce in critical areas. Many industries in Ireland rely on immigrant workers, particularly healthcare, construction, hospitality, and agriculture. With an aging population, the demand for skilled professionals, especially in healthcare and elder care, continues to rise. Immigration ensures that vital roles are filled.
Just as millions of Irish people have sought, and continue to seek, opportunities abroad, Ireland today offers a new home to those seeking a better life. The integration of different cultures enriches Irish society, bringing together diverse perspectives, traditions, and cuisines. Immigrants contribute significantly to the country, supporting public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. A larger working population means more financial resources to invest in essential services that benefit all people.
Far from being a burden, the movement of people into the country has enriched its communities, and bolstered its workforce in critical areas. Many industries in Ireland rely on immigrant workers, particularly healthcare, construction, hospitality, and agriculture. With an aging population, the demand for skilled professionals, especially in healthcare and elder care, continues to rise. Immigration ensures that vital roles are filled.
Just as millions of Irish people have sought, and continue to seek, opportunities abroad, Ireland today offers a new home to those seeking a better life. The integration of different cultures enriches Irish society, bringing together diverse perspectives, traditions, and cuisines. Immigrants contribute significantly to the country, supporting public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. A larger working population means more financial resources to invest in essential services that benefit all people.
Ireland has a strong tradition of compassion and solidarity, demonstrated through its support for refugees and displaced individuals. By rejecting the facile sloganizing of the right, we uphold humanitarian values and provide shelter and opportunities for those escaping conflict, persecution, or economic hardship. Immigration is not a threat; it is an opportunity. It strengthens Ireland’s economy, enriches its culture, and supports the services that keep society functioning. Rather than fearing change, Ireland has much to gain from embracing a diverse and inclusive future, ensuring the country remains a beacon of opportunity and progress.
The Workers Party, rejecting the “plantation” myth currently espoused by the far-right in Ireland, condemns the false and deep-rooted stereotypes based on identity and ethnicity. We seek to convince workers that they should not fall for the false narratives of the Right. Their “solutions” will not bring better housing, jobs, health and education. On the contrary, fascism brings poverty and misery to all.
It is our task, as revolutionary socialists, to isolate and expose racism, fascism, far-right and nationalist ideas and discrimination on grounds of race and ethnicity. Only working people, fighting together, not divided, can build and share the benefits of their own society, in a world of solidarity and peace, socialism.
Reject the facile sloganizing of the Right!
Workers Unite for Peace, Progress and Socialism!
Cllr. Ted Tynan, President of the Workers Party