An MEP candidate has called the European response to the migration crisis "shameful".
People Before Profit TD Brid Smith, who is a candidate in the Dublin constituency for the upcoming elections, criticised the response in Ireland and across Europe when it comes to migration.
Speaking to Breakingnews.ie, Ms Smith said the rise in racism, the challenge of migration, the danger of Ireland losing its neutrality, along with concerns about climate change are what made her decide to run as an MEP.
The Dublin South TD has criticised the lack of humanity when discussing migration issues, and used the language of Simon Harris as an example of how people are being viewed as numbers.
"The approach to migration is pretty shameful overall, they approach it without having humanity in mind. They see it as there is a problem, and we have to deal with this by counting numbers and building walls around the Mediterranean and turn it into a second graveyard for people escaping desperate situations.
"When Simon Harris describes the festering nature of migration, that is a word you use when describing a septic wound. I think the language needs to be curtailed, but it does indicate how governments are looking at this as a problem, when it should be looked at as a challenge and opportunity.
"Migrants have always, all over the world, made a huge difference to the countries they move to in terms of the work and the input that they make into a society. We need workers here."
Rise of far-right
The rise of the far-right has become an issue, both in Ireland and in Europe, with threats made to minorities often making the headlines.
Both in person and on social media, conspiracy theories and myths have taken hold in the lead up to elections, with Ms Smith taking issue with how migrants are blamed for issues.
"Unfortunately, they are scapegoating migrants. Migrants are to blame for every single thing that happens. There are also a lot of myths about how threatening migrants are.
"Those worrying myths do grab hold of people's consciousness. I am not a behavioural psychologist, but I think part of it is people lack confidence in the Government, and they are looking around for an alternative, and sometimes that alternative poses sometimes as a risk to you.
"[They say] you should be afraid of brown and black men because they will steal your children and rape your women. Often, that just takes hold and that is the biggest lie of all.
"We have a very high level of domestic and sexual violence in this country. Every research will show you that vast majority of that is the fault of Irish men who are known to the women and children involved."
Ms Smith said this distraction takes away from discussions on the failings of the Government.
She says the actions of the far-right deflects from issues such as housing and the cost-of-living.
"I always say about those who attack minorities and far-right and fascist candidates, they are doing the Government's dirty work for them, because they are deflecting away from the problems the Government has given us.
"Particularly around housing, the cost of living and poverty. Once they manage to get people's attention focused on foreigners, they actually lift the focus off Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil."
Politicians' safety
Europe was brought into shock this week with the shooting of Slovakia prime minister Robert Fico, who as of writing, is in a serious but stable condition.
In Ireland, a survey found 94 per cent of politicians said they have experienced some form of threat, harassment or violence.
This follows recent attacks on councillors on the campaign trail. Ms Smith says the far-right's actions have led to dangerous actions being taken.
"It is a phenomenon of politics that wasn't there before, and I think it is connected to that idea that the far-right believe that by spreading hatred and lies they can make gains, it often leads to threats being taken literally and physical violence against people.
"It is a big concern. I would appeal to people to reject racism and far-right rhetoric. I would appeal to ordinary decent people to look around them and decide who they are going to vote for based on real politics, not based on hate stirring and waving the tri-colour saying we will save Ireland.
"It is the same as looking at a fascist on the streets of Birmingham waving the Union Jack. I respect the Tricolour, I totally respect where it comes from and the legacy of resistance we have in Ireland. But I know those who fought and died for Ireland would turn in their graves if they saw the calibre of people who are now claiming the flag.
"Freedom fighters in this country believed in equality, fraternity and liberty. That is not what these people stand for."
Neutrality
The war in Ukraine has lead to many countries in Europe increasing their spending on defence, as Russia increases their attacks on Ukraine.
The Government has repeatedly talked about plans to remove the triple lock, which does not allow Ireland to approve peace keeping missions without UN approval.
Ms Smith says this move would put Ireland's neutrality in danger, and has questioned why the Government are pursuing this.
"They are very keen to get rid of it. The only argument they have is, 'I don't want Russia vetoing our ability in peace keeping', but there hasn't been any veto on any peace keeping mission in the last 10 years.
"This is what makes the argument of Micheál Martin, and the other politicians, very weak. They are making it up as they go along, and they are really keen to bring Ireland's neutrality further into dispute. It has been in dispute since we started allowing American troops into Shannon, but they are really trying to throw it down the toilet now."
Ms Smith says Ireland should be using its position as a neutral country to campaign for peace in Ukraine, but admits there is not a will to do so at the moment.
"The war is going to have to end sometime, we have to look for a way of negotiating peace or an outcome here. We did it with the Good Friday Agreement in the past. It was a complicated process, but it happened.
"Where there is a will there is a way, but there isn't a will on this issue. The only will here is to produce more bombs, put more money into it, put more men and women into the trenches, fight the Russians and keep fighting them. It is crazy."
