If you are convinced your community is being ‘invaded’, it becomes easier to justify violence. Disinformation is an accelerant that incites hate and fuels extremism
The scene at the old Crown Paint factory in Coolock following a fire that gardaí suspect was an arson attack. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collinswas first mentioned in the Oireachtas in February 1985 by Senator Katharine Bulbulia during a debate over the government’s decision to approve the sale of contraceptives.
In March, after news emerged that Coolock was being considered as a site to house 500 asylum seekers, initial protests were organised. From the outset,and others who were instrumental in promoting and organising anti-immigration protests across Dublin became active in the area. An image posted by the party on March 24th shows people with a tricolour and signs reading “House the Irish! Not the World!”.
In 2022, this messaging began to gain a foothold in communities that have long felt ignored by the Government over the depletion of local resources, housing shortages and poor communication. In this vacuum, blaming outsiders has been persuasive in making lots of people very angry. Online disinformation encompasses more than just the intentional spread of falsehoods.
Since 2018, there have been more than 30 arson attacks against buildings earmarked for asylum seekers. Last November, within minutes of a horrific stabbing attack in Dublin city centre,. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, often targeted over her department’s handling of immigration, was subject to a bomb threat in April.
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