There is no room for equivocation in the condemnation of what has now emerged as a premeditated attack on a centre housing asylum seekers in Drogheda on Halloween night. What was initially thought to have resulted from fireworks thrown into the premises has now emerged as a determined attempt to start a fire and block the escape route for those trapped upstairs, including several children. In total, 28 asylum seekers will have to be rehoused.
Gardaí now believe that the event may justify a charge of attempted murder or endangerment, in addition to arson. A figure is seen on CCTV setting fire to the stairs and apparently using an accelerant to get the flames to spread as quickly as possible. Were it not for the actions of the emergency services, lives – including those of several children – would almost certainly have been lost.
That someone would target vulnerable asylum seekers in this way is shocking and deeply worrying . This needs to be seen purely for what it is– an evil attempt to endanger lives, including those of small children and to terrorise vulnerable people.
The full story of what happened and the motivations of the attacker may take time to emerge – or may never do so. We must hope that the culprit is caught and faces the fill rigours of the law.
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But it is clear that the attack happened in an environment where antipathy to migrants and asylum seekers in general has increased – and is being fuelled by elements of the far-right.
Migrants to Ireland – and their employers – report that random attacks and verbal abuse are becoming more common. So has the determination of some to turn protests into violence.
As in many other societies across Europe, these trends are concerning and require a clear-headed political response which includes law enforcement, but is also conscious of the language used to debate the migration issue both in relation to asylum seekers but also more generally.
Ireland’s poor response to providing more housing and adequate social and economic infrastructure has influenced the debate on immigration and asylum. There is a shortage not only of homes but also school places, emergency accommodation, hospital beds and access to many vital social services.
In debating all this, politicians on all sides need to exercise care in their language and realism in the measures they promote. Policy towards asylum seekers will be driven in large part by EU developments , but Ireland will continue to have responsibilities. More widely, migrants play an essential role in the economy and society and will continue to do so. Careless comments add nothing to the debate and can be dangerous.
The attack in Drogheda needs to be a wake-up call. Society cannot tolerate antipathy and hate towards migrants and must protect the vulnerable, wherever they come from.
