Activism — Solidarity — Ireland

CONFRONTING THE RISING TIDE OF THE FAR-RIGHT IN IRELAND

By United Against Racism

We begin this Parting Shot with a sober look at the global far-right threat. In the United States, Trump’s administration is presiding over a crackdown on civil liberties, press freedom, and a weakening of the US Constitution, all supported by the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Far-right parties are poised to take power in several of Europe’s largest countries–the AfD in Germany, National Rally in France, and Reform in Britain. Prime Minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni and her party, the ‘Brothers of Italy,’ are the political continuation of Mussolini’s fascist Italy.

Since Covid, far-right parties have proliferated in Irish politics too, including the National Party, Irish Freedom Party, and Ireland First. These parties advocate extremist anti-immigration positions and regressive policies on topics like gender, sexuality, and other social issues. Perhaps more concerning is the rise of racist violence inspired by far-right political actors. Riots in Citywest, arson in Drogheda, a thwarted cross-border plot to target mosques and International Protection Applicant (IPAS) centres, and many individual assaults on both migrant adults and children have shocked the nation.

No one wants to think about the possibility of fascism taking power in their country. We have enough to worry about – Palestine, the climate, the housing crisis, inadequate trans healthcare, disability access. The list goes on. But it is precisely when the system is in crisis that fascism rears its ugly head. Fascism convinces people from all walks of life to join its dark vision of the future. Unfortunately, wherever fascism appears, it presents a serious threat that cannot be ignored.

The good news is that fascism can be defeated. Throughout history, fascists have tried to take power many times. In most instances, the greatest force in society – people power – has pushed them back.

United Against Racism (UAR) and other groups like Le Cheile, Rosa, Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin, and the many Palestine solidarity groups across this island are building a movement capable of forcing the far-right in Ireland back into obscurity.

The first step is to understand what we are dealing with. When the far-right march through town, they claim to be protesting the housing crisis, or for safer conditions for women and children in their communities. Thousands march with them, but what they actually chant is “Get Them Out,” referring, of course, to migrants and asylum seekers.

How can thousands of ordinary people in Ireland fall into this trap and blame the most vulnerable among us for problems caused by successive government failures and the super wealthy?

This is what the far-right does best – divide people with fear and paranoia. For every social ill, the far-right is ready with an answer that blames a minority group for no other reason than convenience. We cannot just ignore the far-right, no matter how marginal they may seem now. Nor can we give in to the idea that people spouting far-right ideas have ‘legitimate concerns.’ In either case, their poison will only spread further and infect more of society.

Instead, we must be clear: blame the government and the wealthy for your struggles, not the asylum seekers. Refugees are welcome in Ireland, and without migrant workers, many key sectors would cease to function. We need each other, and it is our duty to protect each other from racist violence and harm. That is why United Against Racism is committed to confronting the far-right whenever they appear and to defeating the fascist threat with people power.

The only way to do this is to unite the broadest possible groups in Ireland, and crucially, the largest masses of workers, and stand up together. With the participation of trade unions, students, cultural groups, political parties, and activists for any issue from Palestine to housing to LGBTQ+ rights, we can do three things simultaneously: demoralise the fascist core leading the far-right marches, convince ordinary people pulled into the far-right influence that they are on the wrong side, and show migrants and Ireland at large that they do not need to be afraid.

There are many, many more of us than them; we just have to prove it.

UAR has made great progress in the last year. From early counter demonstrations in which we were outnumbered, we have grown until we can muster a crowd more than half the size of the far right. On September 27, 2025, we drew out over 5,000 people in the pouring rain to celebrate Ireland’s diversity at the Ireland Against Racism–Feic Fascism Carnival. We have formed durable links with groups representing important layers of society and spread our message at every opportunity.

Now is the time to build a broader and stronger movement, one that can mobilise tens of thousands to take to the streets. We plan to reach into communities to build local leadership and communicate across national cultural channels to expand our audience. In coalition with left political parties, communities, trade unions, and activists, the anti-racist project can win. We will not let the far-right claim key political issues or Irish cultural symbols as their own. Together, we can make an Ireland for all.