Editorial: No time for complacency over immigration

In its favour, the Government has said in recent weeks that the possibility of “secondary transfers” from other European countries was something that was being examined.

This is a phenomenon where refugees arriving in Ireland are, it is said, coming from other EU states because income and social welfare supports are more generous here.

There is also some discussion at cabinet level on limiting state accommodation to three months for those arriving, with the view that the State is running out of beds for refugees fleeing from desperate situations, such as the war in Ukraine.

Today’s poll also finds a public still embracing those refugees who have arrived here, with a heartening view that Ireland’s cultural life has been enriched by people coming to live here from other countries. Indeed, the poll also reveals a comfortable majority would count migrants among their family and friends.

However, it is clear the level of immigration has reached a point where the public now believes there needs to be a government policy rethink. That view is not lost on the Government, which finds itself in a difficult place should it wish to continue to meet its international obligations.

To its credit, Sinn Féin, which leads the opposition, has declined numerous opportunities to blow a dog whistle in the direction of those most intent on causing social unrest over an issue affecting many western countries. Perhaps as a consequence of that, at least in part, Mary Lou McDonald’s party sees a fall in support in today’s poll to its lowest level in two years. Some of its supporters are ebbing away to Independent/Other TDs who may take a more dogmatic approach on this issue.

Sinn Féin is content to involve itself in the cut and thrust of politics related to the handling of the riot and the responsibility of the Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner.

However, today’s poll also finds significant support for the minister and the commissioner in the aftermath of the events on November 23, indicating a public anxious to avoid politics as usual in the face of other threats.

For many months now there has been growing concern about the rise of the far right in tandem with concerns around immigration and it is evident that it is this issue, more so than the level of immigration, which preoccupies the public after the riot.

Most troubling is the finding that almost a third of those polled would consider voting for a party or candidate who holds “strong anti-immigration views”, an increase of 14 points since September 2021.

While this does not point to the imminent emergence of a far-right political party of the kind which has sprung up in several countries in Europe, the State should not be complacent.

The poll shows the public is telling the Government to introduce a measure of common sense and fairness in relation to the level of immigration here out of fear that a far-right movement might take off, with policies similar to the repugnant views expressed last week by the boorish former MMA figure, Conor McGregor. Happily, our poll finds precious little support for any political ambitions McGregor might entertain.