Latest news with #CoolockSaysNo
Irish Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Far-right groups co-operating across Border as shared grievances ‘override sectarian fault lines'
Anti-migrant far-right figures in the Republic are increasing their co-operation with loyalist groups in Northern Ireland and entering a 'more organised phase', according to a new report. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue , a counter-extremism organisation, found the emerging trend marks a 'significant shift in the political landscape', in which shared grievances can 'override older sectarian fault lines'. It points to the support given by anti-immigration group Coolock Says No when members travelled from Dublin to Belfast to take part in a rally last August. Unprecedented race-related violence erupted in south Belfast – the most ethnically diverse part of the city – following the rally. Some Dublin protesters wrapped themselves in Tricolours as they stood beside high-profile loyalists at the event, including convicted loyalist killer Glen Kane. Further disorder took place in Ballymena last month, which the North's most senior police officer, Jon Boutcher, branded 'racist thuggery'. READ MORE The report, published on Wednesday, notes the overlap between Republic-based protesters and loyalist networks 'laid the groundwork' for further collaboration seen during the Ballymena and Limerick riots in June. 'Anti-migrant mobilisation across the island of Ireland has entered a new, more organised phase. What began as scattered, localised protests in late 2022 have evolved into an increasingly structured and internationally connected movement,' it says. 'In 2025, this is characterised by street protests, intimidation, targeted violence and co-ordinated amplification online. 'Riots in 2024 in Coolock and recent protests in Ballymena, Limerick and other locations on the island of Ireland show evidence of an emerging cross-Border infrastructure for anti-migrant mobilisation.' While these incidents show how groups from both sides of the Border are working together in a 'tactical and symbolic way', the ideological dimensions of these alliances extend further afield, according to the analysis. [ Ballymena: Week of violent attacks on Northern Ireland's small immigrant community 'akin to 1930s Germany' Opens in new window ] 'Some loyalist figures involved in these protests have established ties to UK far-right and neo-Nazi networks,' it adds. 'Glen Kane, a former loyalist paramilitary convicted of manslaughter for a sectarian killing in 1993, was present at an anti-migrant protest in Belfast 2024 alongside members of Coolock Says No.' Social media activity is also examined and, while the report finds there is no overt co-ordination between loyalist and Republic far-right groups, it shows there is content on Facebook pages and Telegram channels that 'reflect similar themes'. Language explicitly frames migration as a threat to national security and western civilisation, the report says. British far-right and Russian-aligned outlets have actively promoted the cross-Border incidents as part of an anti-migrant narrative, it adds. A discussion on YouTube between far-right activist and Donegal election candidate Niall McConnell, and loyalist ex-prisoner Mark Sinclair, at the height of the unrest in Ballymena, is also highlighted in the study. This public collaboration underscores how opposition to immigration is 'fostering unlikely alliances' and 'reshaping traditional sectarian fault lines into shared ethno-nationalist grievances'. The report's authors consider the implications of the growth of Ireland's anti-migrant movement, which is 'no longer confined to local discontent or grassroots protests'. 'It has become a fluid movement that spans digital platforms, physical spaces and national borders.' In addition, a diverse range of 'international actors are actively embedding Ireland's domestic protests within wider global anti-migrant mobilisation narratives'. British neo-Nazi and far-right networks, North American influencers who 'frame Irish unrest as part of a broader cultural war', and Russian-aligned propaganda outlets are 'promoting polarising content', says the report. The development presents 'new challenges for those tasked with safeguarding social cohesion and democratic resilience', the report warns. 'Any meaningful response must account for the layered, transnational nature of this mobilisation, and the speed with which local tensions can be co-opted into broader campaigns of disruption and division.'
Irish Examiner
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Irish nationalists and Northern Irish loyalists 'finding common ground' on immigration, research finds
Irish nationalists and Northern Irish loyalists are "finding common ground" in anti-migrant protests, according to new research. A new report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) finds protests that began as "localised expressions of opposition have grown into a more structured movement, with actors from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland participating in shared demonstrations and messaging". ISD's research points to a number of instances where Irish nationalist and Northern Irish loyalist groups appeared side by side at protest events. In August last year, representatives from Coolock Says No, an anti-immigration protest group, travelled to Belfast to participate in anti-migrant protests in the wake of a stabbing attack in Southport, England. The report says the "overlap" between Republic-based nationalist activists and Northern Irish loyalist networks "laid the groundwork for further collaboration" seen during protests in Ballymena and Limerick last month. This convergence reflects a broader trend in which traditionally opposed groups coalesce around common narratives. "This was observed in ISD's analysis of cross-ideological antisemitism following the October 7 attacks, where both Islamist and far-right actors amplified antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes," the report's authors say. The report says that some loyalist figures involved in these protests have "established ties to UK far-right and neo-Nazi networks", adding that Glen Kane, a former Loyalist paramilitary convicted of manslaughter for a sectarian killing in 1993 was present at an anti-migrant protest in Belfast 2024 alongside members of Coolock Says No, who had travelled from Dublin to participate. Protesters, the authors say, are increasingly crossing borders in both directions. In the same year, Kane was charged under public order legislation for possessing publications intended to incite racial hatred, including British National Party (BNP) materials and merchandise related to Britain First. "What stands out most is that groups who've historically been on opposite sides — Irish nationalists and Northern Irish loyalists—are now finding common ground in anti-migrant narratives,' said ISD hate and extremism analyst and author of the dispatch, Zoe Manzi. It's a major shift that shows old ideological lines are breaking down, replaced by shared grievances that are driving a growing and increasingly visible anti-migrant movement across the island. It adds that a "diverse range of international actors — including neo-Nazi and far-right networks — is embedding Ireland's domestic protests within wider global anti-migrant narratives". During the unrest seen in Ballymena last month following reports of an attempted sexual assault, some within the online anti-migrant ecosystem in the Republic of Ireland echoed core grievances promoted by loyalist actors, the report adds. It said this "demonstrates how anti-migrant sentiment on digital platforms resonates across ideological divides". It gives the example of Niall McConnell, a far-right activist and Independent election candidate from Donegal, who hosted Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) member Mark Sinclair on his Youtube channel at the height of the unrest. The pair discussed setting aside historical differences to work against the perceived threat caused by immigration.
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach criticises Dublin protesters and ‘narrow nationalism'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pushed back against the rhetoric expressed at a large anti-immigration protest in Dublin over the weekend, rejecting what he described as 'negativity' and a vision of Ireland rooted in 'narrow nationalism.' Thousands took part in the rally in the city centre on Saturday which began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square A significant Garda presence was deployed to manage the protest and a counter-demonstration, including public order units, mounted officers, and an aerial support unit. While no major incidents were reported, three people were arrested for public order offences. Micheál Martin. Pic: Michael Chester Chants of 'Ireland for the Irish,' and 'Get them out' were shouted with some protestors holding signs reading 'Coolock Says No,' 'Irish Lives Matter,' and 'Ireland is Full.' Another poster saw Conor McGregor, who was vocal in his support for the march, in between US President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' And there you have it — Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 26, 2025 He said: 'Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here — and also why we are not here. 'We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honour their spirit, we honour their fight.' 'To those leading the march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear, speak with dignity.' Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' Pic: File The demonstration was also convened to mark the 1916 Easter Rising – 109 years after the armed rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Speaking on Sunday at Fianna Fáil's annual 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill Cemetery, Mr Martin addressed the protest and its appropriation of Easter Rising symbolism. 'The message of the 1916 Proclamation is inclusive and internationalist. It was never grounded in narrow nationalism,' he said. 'That's the vision Fianna Fáil continues to uphold—open, outward-looking, and rooted in our place within modern Europe.' He emphasised that Ireland's EU membership since the 1970s has been transformational, warning against those promoting policies he believes would harm the country's future. Thousands gathered in the city centre on Saturday for a demonstration opposing Government policies, particularly around immigration and housing. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos 'I would be very cautious about those who advocate – like some did yesterday – for a version of Ireland that would take us backwards,' he added. Asked whether the size of the protest concerned him, the Taoiseach pointed to the importance of the democratic process. 'We've had a general election and local elections. The ballot box determines how society is governed. It must be based on policies and ideas – we believe ours are stronger than those put forward yesterday.'
Irish Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Woman who used 'N' word in RTE doc parties in Conor McGregor's pub after protest
A woman caught using the 'N' word at the Coolock protests was among revellers at Conor McGregor's pub following a massive anti-immigration protest in Dublin. Tracey Brougham, who the Irish Mirror previously revealed as the woman seen using vulgar racist language and appearing to strike a worker in an RTÉ documentary last year, was seen at a party at The Black Forge following the protest in the city centre on Saturday. Dozens of McGregor's fans flocked to the Crumlin-based pub following the mass protest, which he encouraged at Dublin's Garden of Remembrance and took part in during the day. Ms Brougham was seen in footage shared on social media by McGregor himself - toasting a young child playing bagpipes as fellow protestors gathered there on Saturday night. It comes after she previously refused to speak to this paper when we called to her home following the airing of the RTÉ Investigates: Inside the Protests' programme in September last year. Ms Brougham, who was seen cursing and using the 'N' word multiple times outside the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, told us she doesn't want to comment on the disturbing footage - despite it openly showing her face. Confronted by this paper outside her home, which is located close to the 'Coolock Says No' protest site, Ms Brougham was asked about the footage of her calling several workers 'dirty' and 'filthy' and whether she wanted to comment on it. 'No. I don't want to,' she said. Asked why she did not want to comment on the footage, she said: 'I just don't.' We asked Ms Brougham whether she regretted making derogatory racist remarks shown in the documentary, which exposed some of the actions of those involved in multiple anti-asylum seeker protests across the country last year. I'm not answering any questions. I can't talk about it now,' she said. In the documentary, led by investigative reporter Barry O'Kelly, Ms Brougham is seen and heard calling workers 'dirty filthy n******,' and telling them they are 'not wanted in this country.' 'None of yis are wanted, ye dirty filthy bastards,' she is also heard saying. The programme also shows the woman attempting to strike a security guard across the head. She is also shown saying the 'N' word a further two times, telling those present at the site to 'get the f*ck out'. Ms Brougham stated on her Linkedin social media page that she works for Digital Realty - a data centre company with multiple locations across Dublin. Contacted about Ms Brougham's remarks on the RTE documentary, a spokesperson for Digital Realty said at the time: 'We have no comment at this time.' The site of the former Crown Paints Factory in Coolock in Dublin was subjected to a blockade for more than 100 days after it was earmarked for use to accommodate asylum seekers. The documentary focuses on the horrific events of July 15 last year in which the Garda Public Order Unit ultimately was called in to quell protests. It also exposes how the Public Order Unit was initially called in to assist workers onto the site in the early hours of the morning - but was called off before things seriously escalated. When those officers left, some protestors became violent, gained entry to the site and set fire to a JCB digger and mattresses. Several have been arrested and 26 people have appeared before the courts charged with alleged offences. Speaking since the documentary came out, Garda Commissioner Harris said that he now believes it was the wrong decision for the public order unit to be stood down that morning. 'The public order unit was on duty, it was stood down at 7am," he said. 'In hindsight, that was not the right decision. We've accepted that, and that's already been covered with the Policing Authority,' he said.
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
'And there you have it' -- Joe Brolly reacts to galling poster at protests
Joe Brolly has reacted to a poster which appeared at the anti-immigration protest which took place in Dublin over the weekend. Thousands took part in the rally in the city centre on Saturday which began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square. Public transport was impacted and there was a heightened Garda presence throughout the city. Joe Brolly has reacted to a poster which appeared at the anti-immigration march which took place in Dublin over the weekend. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The protest travelled down to Custom House Quay. Councillors Gavin Pepper, Malachy Steenson, Patrick Quinlan and Philip Sutcliffe were among the attendees. Chants of 'Ireland for the Irish,' and 'Get them out' were shouted with some protestors holding signs reading 'Coolock Says No,' 'Irish Lives Matter,' and 'Ireland is Full.' Another poster saw Conor McGregor, who was vocal in his support for the march, in between US President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' The protest travelled down to Custom House Quay. Councillors Gavin Pepper; Malachy Steenson' Patrick Quinlan and Philip Sutcliffe amongst attendees. Pic: He said: 'Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here — and also why we are not here. 'We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honour their spirit, we honour their fight.' 'To those leading the march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear, speak with dignity. And there you have it — Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 26, 2025 'We want to hear your voice. Together, we rise. Together, we win. God bless us all. God bless Ireland.' Joe Brolly took to social media to share the picture of a galling poster at the rally which displayed McGregor alongside Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, simply writing: 'And there you have it.' The post was met with a mixed reaction, with those in support of McGregor stating that it was planted. One said: 'Clearly a plant like they did during the anti-lockdown protests. Remember Brolly cried his eyes out on Newstalk for a looted Foot Locker. They feel nothing for Ireland as a nation. It's parish and county for them only.' Another asked: 'Did you plant that there yourself Joe? The left funding nonsense to try to tarnish every one else.' A third added: 'Honestly. The mentality of this crowd and who's lead they are following,' while a fourth commented: 'The unholy trinity.' A counter-protest took place at the nearby GPO at 1.30pm. Their counter chants heard criticism of McGregor, who was last year found liable for rape, as well as 'refugees are welcome here.'
