Housing crisis 'giving oxygen' to anti-migrant movement, says Cork TD
Picture: O'hare Protests Eddie Cork Grand Parade At
Cork North-Central TD, Mick Barry says the Government is not solving the housing crisis but today's anti-racism rally in Cork city made a stand against the far-right.
Gardaí were forced to intervene as hundreds of people gathered in Cork's city centre this afternoon for two separate demonstrations, which led to minor altercations between the two groups.
A number of people gathered at the National Monument on the Grand Parade at noon for a demonstration labelled 'Cork Says No To Racism', while a smaller group of anti-migrant protestors assembled nearby.
"I think that the Government are giving the anti-refugee movement or supply of oxygen by failing to tackle the housing crisis and failing to genuinely provide housing for all," Mr Barry said.
"So I think opposing the racists and fascists, as was done in Cork today is one part of an anti-racist strategy. And I think strongly opposing the Government on housing is another part."
Around 700 people are estimated to have attended both demonstrations which were scheduled for the same time in roughly the same place.
The Cork Says No to Racism group carried banners calling for an end to Direct Provision and welcoming refugees to the city.
Attendees described the atmosphere at the gathering as "friendly" and "welcoming" with musicians and entertainers performing for the crowd.
The anti-migrant group gathered outside the City Library, carrying banners with slogans saying "Cork Says No" and "House the Irish, not the World".
The demonstration included speakers from the 'East Wall Says No' group in Dublin as well as several people carrying flags and banners on behalf of the right-wing National Party.
Those in attendance say just before 1pm a number of people from the anti-migrant group broke off from the rest and went to confront members of the larger, anti-racism group.
Gardaí intervened and were able to separate the two groups and both sets of protestors continued with their demonstrations.
They say no arrests have been made.