Racist Pegida launch in Dublin faces strong opposition

ANTI-FASCIST groups in Ireland are mobilising to oppose the launch in Dublin next Saturday at 3pm at the GPO of the anti-refugee Pegida organisation to coincide with a series of rallies across Europe in the name of opposing 'the growth of Islam'.

Peter O’Loughlin of anti-immigrant group Identity Ireland has been working with the founder of the right-wing street hooligan English Defence League, Tommy Robinson, in setting up Pegida in Ireland. 

Robinson (pictured below) is now the Pegida organiser in Britain after the EDL was riven by divisions and fell into decline.

● Tommy Robinson in his various guises as head of the English Defence League

O’Loughlin is contesting the Dáil general election for Identity Ireland in Cork North Central. O'Loughlin ran in the 2014 European Parliament elections in Ireland South, where he finished 14th of the 15 candidates. In the Carlow/Kilkenny by-election last year, he did a little better, coming 10th out of 13 and being eliminated on the first count. He has represented the anti-immigrant (and moribund) 'National Independent Party'. He has spoken at a Pegida rally in Dresden.

A range of anti-racist groups are now coming together through Facebook to stage a counter-rally on Saturday under the banner “Anti-Racist Day of Action – No to Pegida”.

A Facebook post says:

“Saturday is an opportunity to send a strong message that solidarity is stronger than hate; that Ireland is for all of the people who call it home.

“Who Lives Here Belongs Here”

It urges people:

“Bring your voice onto to our streets to say no to those wishing to organise on racist platforms.

“Next Saturday is a day for organisations groups and individuals committed to justice and equality to stand in solidarity. When the far-right march it is a threat to us all.

“Let's bring colour, noise creativity and community onto our streets. We are a silent majority no more.”