New anti-fascist alliance to put ‘Le Chéile’ against the rise of the extreme right in Ireland

A new group of public figures and various social justice groups launched themselves as ‘Le Chéile’ as part of efforts to combat the rise of the far right in Ireland.

The alliance has already been campaigning under the banner of #DiversityNotDivision But today it was formally launched alongside several leftist politicians.

The alliance is made up of a number of social justice organizations, several of which participated in the repeal movement of the eighth movement, as well as several anti-racist groups.

Public figures such as Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey and Vincent Browne are among those who have also lent their support to the campaign.

Far-right organizations have been present in a series of anti-lockdown demonstrations in recent months, at least one of which ended in violence and a garda investigation into the alleged assault on a counter-protester.

Le Chéile’s Ailbhe Smith says the group’s main goal is to “discuss, speak out, raise awareness and educate” about the issues that far-right elements use to generate support.

She says that many people who attend far-right rallies get caught up in something they are not fully aware of.

“I think there are people who have a particular problem, a particular problem with our society and I fully understand it and they have every right. I think many of them must be quite concerned or concerned and a little shocked by the elements that have been underpinned by these movements. “

Smyth adds that it is not Le Chéile’s goal to organize counter-protests to far-right rallies.

I think it is very unfortunate that because of the situation in the United States, that ‘anti-fascist’ who should be a positive thing I think most people are deeply opposed to fascism, not necessarily accompanied by any kind of violent activity.

Le Chéile at today’s launch in Dublin.

Source: RónánDuffy / TheJournal.ie

TDs from Sinn Féin, Solidarity-People Before Profit and the Social Democrats were present at today’s launch and several unions are also listed as supporters.

Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly says politicians can set an example for others.

“We can use our platform as legislators, politicians and leaders in our own community to never miss the opportunity to highlight the need for diversity over division. To make sure we send a very clear message to people that we will not be divided on this and that it is about standing up to elements from the far right, ”he says.

Student Union of Ireland (USI) president Lorna Fitzpatrick says Covid-19 conspiracy theories have allowed the far right to grow.

“I think it is important to make sure that we are disseminating objective information and that people have access to it. And I think the media has been really good in terms of making sure that we spread that information. I think it’s easy to fool people, especially in relation to Covid. “