Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the people of Tallaght have sent a clear message that there can be no more racist attacks like the one last weekend, adding that local residents will not be threatened or beaten off our streets by criminal thugs who are just looking for someone to assault.

Speaking after attending the demonstration in Tallaght this evening, Teachta Crowe said:

“I was very proud of the dignified gathering that turned out tonight in support of the migrant community here in Tallaght. I know that many were worried about intimidation from a small minority and the counter-protest that they had organised.

“Their plan is to sow division and deflect away from the real causes behind our health and housing crisis.

“It’s hard to believe that there are such narrowminded people in this state that do not realise how dependent we are on people coming to Ireland with their vital skills to work. Without migrant workers in this state, so many sectors, not least the health service, would grind to an abrupt halt.

“The message tonight is one of solidarity and support for the migrant worker who was assaulted in one of our estates simply because of the colour of his skin.

“We cannot and will not be bullied off our streets by thugs who are just looking for someone to assault and then parrot racist lies and misinformation to try and justify their criminality.

“There can be more attacks like the one we saw last weekend in Tallaght. That is the message we spoke with one voice tonight. No more attacks, no more lies and misinformation, no more cover for hate and division.”