Against the Politics of Hate - A Report From the Rally for Peace

Photo by Darragh Doyle @darraghdoyle

On December 14th, a group of around 500 people gathered outside Leinster House in unified opposition to anti-migrant sentiments and the politics of hate pushed by the far right. RISE activists joined this counter-demonstration composed of anti-racist groups, migrant groups, trade unions, and political parties. The full extent of those represented can be seen in the picture below.

The counter-demonstration was organised by the Solidarity Alliance Against Racism and Fascism (SARF), a broad coalition of organisations, networks and individuals advocating the principles of anti-racism, social justice and equality. During the rally speakers from various backgrounds called out for solidarity with migrants and minorities targeted by far-right groups, and advocated unity in opposition to these groups. There was music and singing throughout the day and these sentiments were amplified by the crowd, who were united in their vocal opposition to the harmful ideologies of the far-right. Chants from the crowd called for support of migrants, refugees and minorities, (“say it loud say it clear; refugees are welcome here”) and opposition to far-right groups and figures (“hate speech is never free”). 

Right-Wing Demonstration

This counter demonstration was organised in opposition to a gathering of far-right groups which assembled outside Leinster house. This demonstration of around 100 people, which claimed its intention was to gather in opposition to proposed changes to hate speech legislation, was composed of various far-right groups such as Gemma O’Doherty’s Anti-Corruption Ireland, Hermann Kelly’s Irish Freedom Party (IREXIT Party), and the virtually defunct Renua Party. Scattered throughout the crowd were various figures known online for spreading far-right disinformation and these individuals recorded the extent of the rally. While this small grouping was not as vocal as the counter demonstration, it was larger than most mobilisations of the far-right in the past, reflecting the rise in nationalist, reactionary sentiments which have taken root in Irish society and across the globe. While initially enthusiastic, the number of far-right demonstrators dwindled over the hour before dispersing completely around half two, with the counter-demonstration continuing long after that.

Post-Rally Coverage

Coverage of the Rally was minimum in the Irish media, with most websites/newspapers opting for small reports of the groups present and crowd sizes. The Irish Times chose to cover the rally from a shameful ‘both-sides’ perspective, with a bizarre video of the event over distasteful banjo music (not joking). On the six o’clock news RTÉ included a snippet of an interview with Hermann Kelly, who chose to speak first and foremost about the alleged dangers of immigration, a peculiar choice for a figure claiming to be attending in opposition to hate speech laws. Far-right figures on social media have since attempted to paint the counter-protest as violent and chaotic but this is inaccurate at best. In truth there were attempts to instigate violence against those supporting the Rally for Peace, but by and large the protest remained peaceful due to the restraint of those in opposition to the far-right and the presence of the event organisers. 

Continued Opposition to the Politics of Hate

While it was gratifying to see such a large crowd gathering in unified opposition to the harmful and odious ideologies on display on the opposite side of Leinster House, it is crucial that a continuous and structured effort is made by the groups in attendance to continue to oppose the far-right. 

It is also crucially important for left-wing groups to unify in criticising and opposing the issues inherent in the current system which allow far-right ideas to permeate. Issues such as economic destitution, social isolation, and community breakdown have escalated under the current capitalist system and this environment has allowed for predatory far-right figures to filter the frustrations of those affected towards anti-migrant sentiments, racial anxiety, and xenophobia. In order to resolve this situation, the current system must be radically transformed into one which ensures the economic and social security of all and engenders an environment of compassion and solidarity.

If you would like to get involved with RISE you can sign up here.