Tommy Robinson — the self-styled “patriot” and founder of the English Defence League — was back before the courts this week, this time facing terrorism-related charges. But as his legal battle unfolds, the shockwaves of Robinson’s malign influence are being felt far beyond Britain’s borders. His message of grievance and outrage has found new life in Ireland, amplified through social media, Telegram groups, and even protests on Irish streets.

In today’s podcast, Ciara Doherty first listens to some of Robinson’s rhetoric, media coverage of the recent Unite the Kingdom protest, described in the British media as a “day of rage,” and Robinson’s claim yesterday outside Westminster Magistrate’s Court that he’s simply a “citizen journalist” trying to go about his work. She then speaks to Ciarán O’Connor, senior analyst with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, about how figures like Robinson have become reference points for Irish far-right activists.

They discuss the growing online crossover between British and Irish movements, the adoption of British protest symbols — including the Irish Tricolour at UK rallies — and the way digital platforms like X, TikTok and Telegram have helped spread extremist narratives across borders.

Ciarán explains how Ireland’s far right has evolved from local activism into part of a wider, international network, fuelled by algorithms, and amplified by influencers who blur national and ideological lines.

This is the story of how one man’s message travelled well beyond his home, reshaping Ireland’s political fringes along the way. And today, Tommy Robinson is en route to Israel, as a “guest of the government.”

If you’ve thoughts on today’s episode, drop us an email at newstalkdaily@newstalk.com.