3 February 2002

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Taoiseach urged to enforce Government pledge on International Day Against Racism with firm action against Cork TD

The Sinn Fein prospective TD for Dublin South-West, Councillor Seán Crowe, has urged the Taoiseach to live up to the Government's promise on the International Day Against Racism* by taking firm action against Cork TD Noel O'Flynn for his verbal attack on refugees last week.

On the International Day Against Racism, last March, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the Government opposed "any manifestation of racism in our society". The Taoiseach went on to say: "Racism poses a threat which, if unchallenged, could undermine the very fabric of our society." Sinn Fein Cllr Seán Crowe said:

"Surely it undermines the Government's campaign against racism when when of its own TDs who whips up prejudice against refugees simply gets a mild ticking off from his party leader?

"Mr Ahern said that the International Day Against Racism was a day on which we should reaffirm our determination to realise an Ireland free from racist attitudes, free from bigotry, free from fear of diversity, and eager to embrace cultural diversity. The Taoiseach said: OToday is a day on which we publicly, and emphatically, reject racism and prejudice." Cllr Crowe said:

"Today is another day when the Taoiseach can actually challenge racism in his own party. He can do it by taking action against one of his TDs for playing the race card and stoking up racial hatred."

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