In autumn 2023, the world woke up to the existence of a new face of Irish politics: a violent far right. On a cold November night in Dublin, young men apparently inspired by inflammatory online calls to arms, attacked police officers protecting a crime scene where it’s alleged a foreign-born Irish citizen had stabbed young children and a care worker (the case is currently before the courts). It was the worst riot in modern Irish history.
Ireland’s far right flopped in the general election – but its threat remains
A nascent far-right movement has exploited concerns about high immigration and a housing shortage. And despite poor electoral results, it remains a force in Irish politics, writes Shane Harrison.
