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The far right rises: Its growth as a political force in Ireland

The Irish Times examines the growth of far-right groups and movements in Ireland, such as the National Party, the Irish Freedom Party and Siol na hÉireann, who have been able to use the coronavirus pandemic to their advantage.
Date
19 September 2020
The Irish Times examines the growth of far-right groups and movements in Ireland, such as the National Party, the Irish Freedom Party and Siol na hÉireann, who have been able to use the coronavirus pandemic to their advantage.

The far right rises: Its growth as a political force in Ireland (Irish Times, link):

“Until recently these movements existed almost entirely online, often in the shadier corners of the internet. But issues such as direct provision, child protection and, more recently, opposition to Covid-19 measures, have brought the far right onto the streets. Violence has sometimes followed close behind.

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Gardaí have been concerned about the burgeoning far right in Ireland for some time. Some years ago a small unit was tasked with monitoring their online content – but only last year were these fears voiced publicly.

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The term “far right” can be a clumsy and vague label… if the term is taken to mean groups with extreme views, such as belief in the anti-Semitic “great replacement” conspiracy theory, or who have established links to European neo-Nazi or fascist groups, then there is little doubt the movement has grown in recent years, according to the Garda and monitoring groups.”