Sinn Féin Dublin South West Candidate Seán Crowe has confirmed that his party is making a formal complaint to the Press Ombudsman, to the Fine Gael Party and to RTÉ over comments made by Brian Hayes’ on Wednesday night’s Late Debate programme in which he tried to introduce racism as an issue in the election campaign.

Speaking today Councillor Crowe said:

“The outrageous comments by Brian Hayes on RTÉ Radio on Wednesday night were an attempt to bring racism to this election campaign.

“These comments by Deputy Hayes are a new low in electoral attacks and Sinn Féin is currently in the process of making an official complaint to the Press Ombudsman, to the Fine Gael Party and to RTÉ.

“The killing of Toyosi Shitabbey in Dublin last year highlights the very real and growing threat posed by racism in Ireland. Brian Hayes should know better than playing politics with this issue.” ENDS