The need to combat racial discrimination in Ireland was brought to the fore yet again last week following racist comments about immigrant taxi drivers made by a senior politician.
The need to combat racial discrimination in Ireland was brought to the fore yet again last week following racist comments about immigrant taxi drivers made by a senior politician.
Senator Pascal Mooney, who was discussing the way forward for the taxi industry following the publication of the Taxis Regulation Bill 2013, said that while he would not discriminate against immigrants, he would not be taking taxis being driven by “non-national” drivers.
The senator has subsequently apologised for his comments. But it’s worth considering where his unfortunate opinions came from in the first place, however wrong he describes them now. Over the years we have witnessed many politicians across different political parties utter racist comments against immigrants, whether directly or indirectly. And with the exception of Fine Gael Cllr Darren Scully, who resigned as Mayor of Naas Town Council following his stated refusal to represent constituents from black African backgrounds, none have paid a price for their racism.
The Mooney incident is just another indication of the lack of any strong commitment by either Government officials or public servants to properly address the issue of racism in Ireland.
It can even be seen in the little things such as the use of the outdated and nonsensical term ‘non-nationals’. Even Justice Alan Shatter has used the term in the past, and he should know better that the majority of immigrants here are indeed nationals of one country or another. It speaks of a mindset that needs to be changed.
