President Michael D Higgins blasts ‘despicable' wave of attacks on Indian community in Ireland after festival cancelled
VILE ATTACKS President Michael D Higgins blasts 'despicable' wave of attacks on Indian community in Ireland after festival cancelled
MICHAEL D Higgins has blasted the 'despicable' wave of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland.
The President hit out in a stinging statement following the spate of racially-motivated assaults in recent weeks, which have prompted safety fears.
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Thousands gathered outside the Dail last month to protest against racism following the assault of an Indian national in the Tallaght area
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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The Ireland India Council has called off the India Day festival at Farmleigh this Sunday, citing safety concerns
Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved
On Monday, the Ireland India Council announced it will not go ahead with the India Day festival at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park this Sunday because of safety concerns.
President Higgins, 84, said he wished to express 'the deep sense of gratitude we all in Ireland owe to the Indian community here.
'We are all mindful of the immense contribution this community has made, and continues to make, to so many aspects of Irish life, in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, in cultural life, in business and enterprise, to cite just some.'
Higgins continued: 'The recent despicable attacks on members of the Indian community stand in stark contradiction to the values that we as a people hold dear.
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'UNEQUIVOCALLY CONDEMNED'
'That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned.
'Whether such provocation stems from ignorance or from malice, it is essential to acknowledge the harm that it is causing.
'Such acts diminish all of us and obscure the immeasurable benefits the people of India have brought to the life of this country.
'Ireland has long been shaped by migration, both outward and inward.'
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Higgins - whose second term in office comes to an end later this year - added: 'Those who left our shores carried our culture and values into faraway lands, often depending on the generosity of strangers.
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