Calls for new Labour mayor to be sacked after photo of him dressed as Adolf Hitler at charity event resurfaces
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Seve Gomez-Aspron dressed as Adolf Hitler during a 2009 charity event
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Gomez-Aspron was sworn in as mayor of St Helens this month
Credit: St Helens.gov.uk/Bernard Platt
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Calls have been made for him to be removed from the ambassadorial role
A string of controversies have marred his time as an elected official, including a photo of him dressed up as the Nazi leader surfacing in 2019, resulting in a council inquiry - though no action was taken by his party.
He has also been brought before the council's standards committee in the past over complaints about remarks he made on social media.
While cops previously attended the town hall itself to serve Gomez-Aspron with a Police Information Notice in relation to harassment claims made by a member of the public.
However, it must be noted, receiving such a notice does not mean an acceptance of wrongdoing and it does not appear any further action was taken.
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One councillor - who wished to remain anonymous - told The Sun: 'He is reviled throughout St Helens for his inappropriate behaviour and attitude.
'Many feel that he is not fit for public office, never mind the prestigious role as mayor.'
A reported 11 councillors walked out in protest during the swearing in ceremony on May 14.
The Hitler photo has been circulating again online since Gomez-Aspron's induction as mayor.
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And a parliamentary petition has been launched - which currently has around 1,000 signatures - calling for him to be removed.
It describes the decision to make Gomez-Aspron mayor an 'outrage' and labels him a 'bully'.
Mystery of Hitler's secret tunnel labyrinth in Poland where 5,000 workers died… and no one knows why it was built
It adds: 'His poor conduct as a councillor is disgraceful and how he has gotten away with his behaviour for so long is hard to contemplate and now he has been elected mayor is just plain and simply disgusting.'
Gomez-Aspron - who once scooped £100,000 with a pal on TV gameshow Million Pound Drop - last year apologised after comments he made during a full council meeting were reported to the authority's Monitoring Officer.
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He described a fellow councillor's intention to vote against a council tax rise as having 'diatribe' reasoning and said he has 'not a clue what he is talking about'.
In the row, Gomez-Aspron described two independent councillors as the 'Earlestown Brain Trust', and later said that 'it was wrong to imply there was a brain'.
The council subsequently confirmed the complaint was upheld and resolved with an 'alternative resolution', with Gomez-Aspron going on to apologise.
The council was also forced to apologise in 2015 after Gomez-Aspron allegedly used a euphemism for a derogatory word when speaking to a constituent on Facebook.
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Gomez-Aspron ended a conversation with a woman on the social network website by writing 'See you next Tuesday'.
But, the expression was reportedly abbreviated into text speak, using 'C' and 'U' for the first two words and a capital 'N' at the beginning of the word 'next'.
St Helens Council's Standards Committee was told the expression is widely known to be a euphemism for a derogatory four-letter word.
Gomez-Aspron denied he knew the expression could be offensive.
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The councillor was also previously censured by the authority and it was recommended he be removed from its personnel appeals committee, and replaced as armed forces champion, in relation to his alleged comments on social media.
In 2017 the council's standards committee found 12 complaints made by residents were in breach of the council's code of conduct in full or in part.
A further complaint saw a resident allege Gomez-Aspron had thrown eggs at his house, though a report stated this could not be proven.
'I have matured and learnt'
The controversial Hitler snap was taken in 2009 during a fundraiser dinner for a children's charity, with Gomez-Aspron - not then a member of Labour or a councillor - later describing the outfit choice as a 'clumsy' decision.
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He claimed it was part of a satirical comedy routine he did alongside pals inspired by Mel Brooks' film The Producers - and that others dressed as German soldiers were cropped out of the photo that subsequently went viral.
Speaking in 2019 he said: "I have matured and learnt a lot since then, and it goes without saying that I would not do this now.
"I know how this could be seen as insensitive and how it could cause hurt and offence.
"That was not at all my intention and I sincerely apologise."
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The photo had originally surfaced while Labour, then led by Jeremy Corbyn, was dogged in an anti-Semitism row.
Gomez-Aspron did not wish to comment when approached by The Sun.
We also contacted the Labour Party for comment.
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Nazi leader Adolf Hitler is responsible for WW2 and the Holocaust, and considered one of the most evil people in history
Credit: Getty Images
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Gomez-Aspron said his fancy dress costume was inspired by musical The Producers
Credit: Kameri Theatre
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The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
My dad Ian Huntley sends me dark letters from jail & haunts every second of my life – I can't bear looking in the mirror
Daughter of Soham killer reveals how she is even terrified of meeting strangers due to their probing questions - and why she has written to him one last time DEVIL'S DAUGHTER My dad Ian Huntley sends me dark letters from jail & haunts every second of my life – I can't bear looking in the mirror LOOKING in the mirror each morning, Samantha Bryan can barely stand it as she sees the eyes of a murderer staring back. As the traumatised daughter of Soham killer Ian Huntley, just getting through each day is a struggle as she discovers dark new details about her dad and receives twisted letters from him in jail. 8 Samantha Bryan is the daughter of killer Ian Huntley Credit: Glen Minikin 8 Evil Huntley has written to Samantha from his cell Credit: Rex Features 8 The sicko murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002 Credit: Collect Desperate for answers over what drove the former school caretaker to kill 10-year-old girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, Samantha, 28, sent her father a letter over a year ago asking to meet him. Out of the blue, months later, in neat, black biro he wrote back, heartlessly accusing her of "insincere motives", adding: 'You are still my daughter for whom I have much love. With Love, Ian'. Care worker Samantha, of Cleethorpes, North East Lincs, has now written to her 'monster' dad one last time asking to meet, explaining it would help her to process a lifetime of trauma that has left her struggling with anxiety and depression. Speaking to The Sun for our Meeting a Monster series, she says: 'When I first read Ian's letter I was angry, frustrated and upset. "He told me he loved me as his daughter. 'I felt, 'you have no right to say that'. 'At the time it was so difficult to read. I felt so many emotions. 'All I could think about was how many times over the years he's wished me well but he's still denying that one thing that could really help me move forward. 'How can he say that he loves me when he has not done the one thing that will allow me to move forward with my life? 'Which is to finally reveal the truth. 'I hoped he would agree to meet me. I have written one last time to ask for that. It would really help me to process everything and to try to move forward.' Why I want to meet my monster dad Ian Huntley Samantha was 14 years old when she discovered who her father was after she was asked to research "notorious crimes" at school, and stumbled across a pixilated photograph of herself and her mother on Google. In the aftermath of this revelation, she turned to drink for a year aged 17 and was taken to the brink of a breakdown. More than a decade on, she is still haunted "every day" by the murders, which shocked the nation and remain among the most notorious in British criminal history. Samantha says: 'Being the biological daughter of Ian Huntley has impacted my life in ways not many people would understand. 'I've dealt with severe anxiety, depression. I've been in and out of therapy for years. 'I've struggled a lot to come to terms with who I am and where I come from, who Ian is and what he's done. 'It's something that haunts me daily. I think about it all the time and I don't think it's ever something that will leave me. 'Every time I look in the mirror I see how much I look like him. I have his eyes. 8 Huntley worked as a caretaker in the school both girls attended Credit: Alamy 8 The murderer has written chilling letters to his daughter Credit: Supplied 'Someone put up a photo of me next to his online and that's when I realised the similarities. 'People often say to me: 'I know your face from somewhere'. 'My heart sinks when they do, as I know they are referring to him, but they just can't place it. I just say: 'No we haven't met before' but so often they look puzzled. 'I think I have other traits from that side of the family as I'm also the only one in my family that has asthma. It's so hard to be the child of what everyone says is a monster... I know I'm a good person but at night that haunts me 'I found an article talking about his medical history online as I wanted to see if there was anything I should be worried about and I read that he has asthma too. 'That took me to a dark place. 'I had periods of despair where I have struggled with the fact of who my biological father is and that the only thing I know about him is what I've read - and what my mum has told me and that is that he's a monster.' Mum's suffering Samantha's mother Katie first met Huntley when she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl, running away from home to live with him against her parents' wishes. Their relationship descended into violence and he subjected her to humiliation - including making her eat cat food - and rape, before Samantha was born. Katie left him for good when she was pregnant with Samantha and has always told her daughter that becoming pregnant saved her from his abuse. Samantha admitted her mum does not want her to meet him, but has promised to support her in her decision. 8 Samantha's mother Katie Bryan left Huntley after he abused her Credit: Glen Minikin 8 Huntley was sentenced to life with a minimum of 40 years Credit: PA:Press Association 8 His girlfriend Maxine Carr was convicted of perverting the course of justice Credit: Cambridgeshire Police She said: 'When you look so much like someone you desperately want to know there is something good in them. 'I know I don't have evil in me. There is no way to condone what he has done. All I want from Ian is a conversation. 'Even if he doesn't want to talk about the events of that day, I want to see him for who he is. 'My mum's side of the family are amazing people and I'm so lucky to have been brought up around the people that I have. 'I want to know where that other half of me comes from. I want to know that it's not all bad, it's not all evil and that there is even just a glimmer of something good there. 'It's so hard to be the child of what everyone says is a monster. 'I know I'm a good person but at night that haunts me.' But that seemed to contradict it all...I just couldn't fathom why he could do such a thing Samantha reveals the catalyst that led her to make one last attempt to meet Huntley was the death in jail of a killer called Bradley Murdoch, who murdered British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001. She said: 'He took his secret to the grave. I couldn't face that if that were to happen here.' Just a few weeks ago Samantha was also shown The Sun's exclusive story that Huntley had been wearing Holly and Jessica's football tops in his cell. She tells us: 'It brought it all up again. I was sickened. 'He previously wrote to me hinting at how bad he felt. But that seemed to contradict it all. "I just couldn't fathom why he could do such a thing. "I just thought of Holly and Jessica's parents because if I felt bad, what on earth would they be thinking? "I was upset for weeks and couldn't sleep as it's just so devastating."I was upset for weeks and couldn't sleep as it's just so devastating. 'This has been a constant shadow in my life.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Our proud city's oasis has turned into dangerous crime den overrun by zombie druggies and thugs who rob pensioners
Locals claim cops are worried about intervening and making things worse 'CRACKADILLY GARDENS' Our proud city's oasis has turned into dangerous crime den overrun by zombie druggies and thugs who rob pensioners A DRUG user lies slumped on a bench while hooded youths stare menacingly at passers-by and a masked teenager on a bike circles with suspicious intent. Welcome to what locals have dubbed 'Crackadilly Gardens' - once a calm haven adorned with cherry trees and colourful flower beds in the heart of Manchester. 20 The area has become overrun with people high on the zombie drug spice Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 Homeless people and drug addicts can be seen sleeping in doorways Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 The area serves as an interchange in the city for buses and trams Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 Locals say they fear 'masked teenagers on bikes looking to steal' Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 Eunice Manu says the gardens now feel scary and there's often trouble Credit: STEVE ALLEN But over time various redesigns of Piccadilly Gardens meant much of the green space was replaced with concrete, and it now doubles as bus and tram interchange. At one point the area became such an eyesore that one of its architectural features became known as Manchester's 'Berlin Wall'. And it's since become overrun by beggars, drug dealers and 'zombie' addicts. Frequent violence, robberies and anti-social behaviour have also blighted the area and turned it into a crime hot-spot. Residents say it's now an 'intimidating' and 'unpleasant' place to be in the day, and a 'dangerous' no-go zone at night. Various schemes have failed to clean up Piccadilly Gardens, and its image problem is an embarrassment for town hall chiefs keen to promote the northern city as a great place to live, work and visit. In response, police have carried out regular patrols and launched frequent crackdowns. On the day The Sun visited groups of officers swooped and detained three men outside a nearby supermarket. One was arrested and handcuffed and taken away in a police vehicle. Another man became angry and started shouting while the third, who'd lost a shoe, cried out in pain and struggled to walk. They left the area, only for one of them to return a short time later when police had gone. Manchester Police Raids smash down doors in early morning raids on postal drug dealers He staggered around, seemingly under the influence of drink, drugs or both, before sitting down on the pavement and swearing at passers-by, including children. In a separate incident, which involved armed police, a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary. Despite the increased police presence and a zero-tolerance approach from officers, locals say the area still feels unsafe. Eunice Manu, 40, who works nearby for a women's charity, admits Piccadilly Gardens can be a 'scary' place. "I'm always very careful when I'm walking along because there's always stuff going on,' she said. It's not a very friendly place and although they've tried to improve things, it doesn't feel safe because of what's going on – it's really scary Eunice Manu 'I watch all the time to see what's going on around me. 'It's not a very friendly place and although they've tried to improve things, it doesn't feel safe because of what's going on – it's really scary. 'You just don't know what to expect when you get here. There's always trouble and a lot of police about.' She added that the area's reputation is so bad even her children regularly warn her to 'be careful' when travelling to and from work. 'It's a s***-hole' 20 Student Melis Ichan says she often feels intimidated when walking through the area Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 The area has become overrun with drink and drugs, even during the day Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 Police often make arrests in the area to try and tackle the crimes Credit: MEN Media 20 A man is given a talking to from police on the streets near Piccadilly Gardens Credit: STEVE ALLEN David Penk, 76, said: 'I'm old enough to remember how Piccadilly Gardens used to be - lovely and quiet and a nice place to sit, but now it's a s***-hole.' 'There's drugs all around the place and fights all the time. 'It's just an unpleasant place to be and I try to avoid the whole area if I can - after midday it gets a bit 'iffy'." Nick, 74, who only wanted to give his first name, said his brother had visited the city centre with him and was 'shocked' by what he saw. 'We came in one night to watch a gig and my brother was a bit taken aback,' he said. 'It was a bit of a shock for him to see all these drugged-up people hanging around. 'I live here so I'm used to it, but he lives in East Anglia so doesn't often encounter such scenes.' You can get anything you want there: crack, smack (heroin), spice, weed, everything Dave, 52 He added: 'Piccadilly Gardens used to be a nice place in the 70s, with flower beds and that sort of thing, but it's just been ruined over the years.' Melis Ichan, 28, a Turkish student in London who regularly visits friends in Manchester, said she's noticed the area's 'drug issues' and the 'intimidating' atmosphere. 'It can feel a little threatening and uncomfortable, especially if you're a woman on your own," she admitted. 'I think the main issue is masked teenagers on bikes looking to steal phones and other things. So I'm always very careful with my belongings.' She added that she 'loves' Manchester and hoped to live and work there, rather than London. 'Den of inequity' 20 Dave, who is homeless, says it's not safe in the gardens any more Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 This feature in Picadilly Garden has been dubbed Manchester's Berlin Wall Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 The Sun saw a man being arrested by police when we visited this week Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 Some residents say they're too afraid to go near the gardens at night Credit: STEVE ALLEN Homeless pals Dave, 52, and Carl, 54, described Piccadilly Gardens as a 'den of inequity'. Dave said: 'You can get anything you want there: crack, smack (heroin), spice, weed, everything. 'That's why there's a lot of trouble and stabbings – arguments over drugs.' Carl added: 'I've been robbed twice there. That's why we both stay away – it's just not safe. 'If anything it's got worse and the police don't want to interfere too much because they're worried it will cause more trouble. 'It was bad when all the Oasis fans came to Manchester to watch them perform. 'They were coming to Piccadilly Gardens and putting their bags down and getting them robbed. 'A lot of them didn't even realise what was going until it was too late.' Violent crime 20 A man was stabbed in Piccadilly Gardens last month, leading cops to cordon off part of the area Credit: MEN Media 20 Police have been maintaining a presence in the area to try to improve the situation Credit: STEVE ALLEN Recent serious incidents include a 23-year-old man who was stabbed last month during an alleged fight, with a 19-year-old later charged. Also last month, two men - one in his 20s and another in his 30s - were victims of a double stabbing. An air ambulance had to land in Piccadilly Gardens in May when another stabbing victim, 31, was rushed to hospital. And a man died in December after he was found collapsed in a doorway two days before Christmas. Simon Quest, 37, was jailed for four years and six months in December for stealing a mobile phone after cycling up behind his behind his victim in Piccadilly Gardens and throwing coffee over him. Police said the 'deplorable' attack, in June 2024, resulted in the man falling to the ground 'completely disorientated and unable to defend himself'. In another robbery in January last year, a 76-year-old was assaulted and robbed of a quantity of cash after he came to the city centre to withdraw his pension and disability benefits. Class A crackdown 20 GMP caught a drug gang that was dealing Class A drugs in Piccadilly Gardens Credit: GMP 20 Cops hoped to make a dent in the dealing taking place in the area Credit: GMP In November 2023, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) supported by specialist police from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, launched a major operation in Piccadilly Gardens targeting class A drug dealing. Drugs were supplied to customers using various means: through flare messages, teenage couriers and directly to those in the area needing a fix. In April, Manchester Crown Court heard how undercover cops had exposed one criminal gang headed by Martin Joyce, which supplied crack cocaine and heroin. The investigation focused on an alleyway, known as Back Piccadilly, which was notorious for drug deals due to its private and secluded nature. In total the operation led to 23 criminals being brought before the court and given sentences ranging from two to five years. GMP acknowledge that Piccadilly Gardens presents a 'unique challenge' for officers and they have to worked with local partners and charities to try to tackle problems. I've been robbed twice there. That's why we both stay away – it's just not safe Carl From March to May this year, 93 people were arrested for a variety of offences while 384 people were stop and searched. Cops' Operation Vulcan led to a targeted 18-month long operation to root out drug dealers and tackle crime in the area, and a dedicated police team now patrol the area day and night. Police tactics rely on a mix of regular visible patrols, community meetings and briefings, and 'targeted activity' - such as weapon or drug sweeps. And they work with the council to secure criminal behaviour orders against repeat offenders to effectively ban them from returning to Piccadilly Gardens or the wider city area. But Superintendent Nicola Williams, of GMP, says she doesn't underestimate the challenge faced by the force. 'I am realistic,' she told the Manchester Evening News in May. 'I have worked in neighbourhood policing all my career. Piccadilly Gardens is a particularly challenging space because of the footfall that passes through it every day. It's 24/7. And I recognise we can't be here 24/7 too. 'We are adopting a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour here, so if someone is here behaving in that manner, we will deal with it. "If they're begging, they will get arrested. If they're smoking a joint, they will get arrested. If we see someone dealing, they will get arrested. 20 The council and police have promised to take more action in the area Credit: STEVE ALLEN 20 The Sun saw armed police and normal police officers when we visited the city centre Credit: STEVE ALLEN 'I am committed to that because those are the things that really impact people coming to Piccadilly Gardens about their daily business. "We don't want to smell cannabis, see someone who has perhaps been sleeping here all night and potentially under the influence, it doesn't help people feel safe.' Inspector Kam Hare, of GMP's City Centre Piccadilly Gardens neighbourhood policing team, told The Sun: 'We have a team dedicated to tackling issues in Piccadilly Gardens as we are acutely aware of the complex challenges that this area does present. 'Through a strategy of working with partners including Manchester City Council, we are working together to tackle these problems with long-term solutions. "The foundations of the problem-solving approach we have seen in Piccadilly Gardens had seen real progress being made in terms of safeguarding, enforcement, and our understanding of the issues and concerns communities are facing. 'Over the past six months alone we have seen 249 arrests resulting in 183 charges, 27 knives seized and large amounts of Class A and Class B drugs seized. We will continue to take action in this area ensuring criminals know they cannot operate here. 'We are determined to ensure the perception of Piccadilly Gardens, and the public's feeling of safety in the area, continues to improve. "We cannot do this alone however and will work with our partners to achieve this alongside the backing of additional force resources whenever and wherever there is intelligence or demand to suggest we need extra officers in the area. 'We also rely on intelligence from members of our community – from the people that work in the area to those that live in the buildings surround the gardens. Over the past six months alone we have seen 249 arrests resulting in 183 charges, 27 knives seized and large amounts of Class A and Class B drugs seized Inspector Kam Hare "Please continue to report incidents to ourselves as it helps us to build a targeted plan of activity that our neighbourhood officers can use.' A City Council spokesperson said: 'We know that Piccadilly Gardens sometimes attracts negative headlines. We're bringing forward plans to improve its appearance and boost public confidence in its safety. "There have been intensive police crackdowns with operations such as Operation Vulcan and ongoing days of action resulting in many arrests. "We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police to build on the successes of this approach and strengthen its long term impact in tackling and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.' The spokesperson added that plans would be announced next month for 'immediate and long term measures' to ensure it is a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Disturbing rise in racist attacks must be met with decisive action from Government – Ireland should be safe for everyone
The time for platitudes has passed, the time for action is now SUNDAY ISSUE Disturbing rise in racist attacks must be met with decisive action from Government – Ireland should be safe for everyone MICHAEL D Higgins this week blasted the 'despicable' wave of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland. The President hit out following a spate of recent racially-motivated assaults, which have prompted safety fears. 4 Representatives of the Indian community in Ireland have asked for a cross-departmental taskforce to address the attacks Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 4 Michael D Higgins blasted the 'despicable' wave of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland Credit: PA:Press Association 4 Labour senator Laura Harmon Credit: Collect On Monday, the Ireland India Council announced it will not go ahead with the India Day festival at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park today because of safety concerns. Hundreds of performers had been preparing for the event. Co-chairman of the Ireland India Council, Prashant Shukla, admitted making the decision was 'very difficult', but that the safety and security of the community was more important. The issue has been highlighted after an Indian man was the victim of an unprovoked attack while walking to a Hindu temple in Tallaght, Dublin, last month. A silent vigil was held outside the Department of Justice by Friends Of India in response — with the Indian Embassy warning of a rise in attacks. Labour senator Laura Harmon today calls on the Justice Minister to act now. THE disturbing rise in racist attacks on Ireland's Indian community must be met with decisive action from Government. Yet, as each new report of violence emerges, the silence from our Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, grows more deafening. In recent weeks, the scale and frequency of these incidents have been truly alarming. Every new day seems to bring another report of an assault or attempted assault on someone simply because of the colour of their skin. Last week, we even heard of a child being assaulted for that very reason. We cannot continue to look away. We cannot allow these crimes to become so frequent that they are normalised. Our President, Michael D. Higgins, was right to speak out. He condemned these attacks as being in 'stark contradiction to the values that we as people hold dear'. Those words should be a rallying cry for action. They reflect the Ireland we strive for: a country that treats all who live here with dignity and respect, no matter their heritage. It is telling that the strongest moral leadership in this moment is coming from Aras an Uachtarain — not from the Department of Justice. In my own community, I have been contacted by people originally from India who are deeply worried about their safety. These are neighbours, colleagues and friends who contribute enormously to the life of our towns and cities. Out of shared concern, we worked together to create a local group to offer mutual support, share information, and stand united in the face of intimidation and violence. That such a step is necessary in Ireland in 2025 should be cause for national reflection — and national action. OUR GOVERNMENT IS FAILING It is deeply shameful that the Indian Embassy has felt the need to issue a public warning advising Indian citizens and Irish-Indians in Ireland to take extra precautions for their safety. That such advice is even necessary in a country that proudly greets visitors with 'Céad Míle Fáilte' should unsettle us all to our core. If this is the image we are projecting to the world, then our Government is failing in its most basic duty — to keep all who live here safe. Jim O'Callaghan must now break his silence. He must strongly condemn these attacks, and more importantly, set out in detail what concrete measures he will take to address them. That means ensuring Gardai have the resources and training needed to respond quickly and effectively to racist crime, improving community outreach, and guaranteeing that victims have clear, accessible routes to justice. TIME FOR ACTION We need public awareness campaigns to counter the toxic narratives fuelling these attacks. And we need visible, high-profile political leadership that sends the message that racism will not be tolerated anywhere — from anyone. Earlier this month I held a roundtable discussion in Cork about the rise of racism on the ground. I was struck by the contributions from the Indian, Pakistani, Sikh, Romanian, Mexican, African, and Nepalese communities. I'm grateful for their engagement and will continue to advocate for them, together with my Labour colleagues. We cannot afford to wait for another headline-grabbing attack before the minister acts. The stakes are too high. This is not just about protecting one community — it is about protecting the very values we claim as a nation. If we fail to confront this wave of hate now, we risk allowing prejudice and violence to fester, spread, and undermine the fabric of our society. Ireland must be a place where everyone — no matter their skin colour or country of birth — can walk our streets without fear. The time for platitudes has passed. The time for action is now.
