Fine Gael has condemned the rise of extreme nationalist groups in Ireland, accusing them of importing "culture wars" around immigration, gender and education.
The comments come as a second protest is held in East Wall today in opposition to housing asylum seekers and refugees in the area.
Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, said that Fine Gael welcomes "an increasingly diverse population".
“This government and the Fine Gael party are committed to providing safe refuge for people fleeing war and oppression", he said.
Extremist views
Deputy Farrell said that, while he believes most Irish people don't support extreme narratives about asylum seekers and refugees, "we cannot tell ourselves that it cannot happen here".
“This is something that we have seen in other jurisdictions in Europe and further afield, where groups with extreme views are gaining political and social influence", he said.
“Our country is at its best when we are open, inclusive and compassionate."
The extremist groups "prey on people's insecurities" with their "divisive" rhetoric.
"We must all be champions of progress and address the problems we face by working together, not pitting individuals against one another", Deputy Farrell said.
Irish history
Deputy Farrell asked that people remember Ireland's own history and "the heartache of being driven from a homeland".
“For many years we were the huddled masses yearning to be free", he said.
"Thankfully, we now find ourselves in a position to be that beacon of hope for people suffering under authoritarian regimes or faced with the destruction brought by war.”
Harsher penalties for hate speech
The government has introduced harsher penalties for crimes committed against someone due to their race, colour, nationality, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
The legislation has two ‘tests’ built into it – meaning the courts will need to be convinced a crime was either motivated by hate or actively demonstrated hate in order to prosecute it as a hate crime.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she is “absolutely confident” the laws won’t impact on open debate.
Deputy Farrell said: "These Bills are welcome and have not come too soon, but we must remain vigilant about the rise in this type of behaviour."
