Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is facing criticism after comments he made about immigration during a byelection canvass were recorded and shared online. In the footage, Ahern said he believed there were “too many” migrants coming into Ireland and specifically referenced African migrants.
The comments have sparked backlash across the political spectrum, with Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers calling the remarks “totally wrong and inappropriate.”
Fine Gael councillor in Navan, Yemi Adenuga, who is originally from Nigeria, has also strongly criticised the comments, saying she was “deeply disappointed and honestly appalled.” In a social media statement, she warned that remarks like these can fuel fear, prejudice and anti-migrant hostility at a time of growing tensions around immigration in Ireland.
Councillor Adenuga is calling on Bertie to apologise for his comments, and she joined us on Teh Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.
We were also joined by Dr Ebun Joseph, CEO & Founder of the Institute of Antiracism and Black Studies, who also wants Bertie to apologise and to revoke his comments immediately.
Dr Joseph called our Bertie Ahern and all those who have agreed with his comments.
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