Ireland President, Ex Cricketer Condemn Racist Attacks on Indians

In a bid to allay fears about the increasing racial attacks on Indians in Ireland, former Irish cricketer Kevin O’Brien put out a message on the internet conveying the message that the ties between India and Ireland should remain unshaken by the actions of a very small number of people, those involved in racially-motivated attacks and hurling racist abuses.

He said he was deeply saddened by the spate of recent racist attacks on Indians in Ireland. These attacks do not represent who we are as people of Ireland. India and its people hold a very special place in my heart and also in the hearts of my fellow Irish team mates. We have always loved playing in India. The warmth and love we received there has made us feel always at home. I hope this message makes you feel the same. and I want to reiterate to the Indian community that Ireland is your home too.

The Irish cricketer thanked NRIs in Ireland for their contribution to the Ireland society. He said that the contribution was immense and that Ireland people deeply value everything Indians do for them.

Ireland President Michael D Higgins also strongly condemned the recent violent attacks on Indian community. In a presidential statement, he said that the despicable attacks stand in direct contradiction to the values they hold dear as Irish people.

It is highly unacceptable to know that anyone in Ireland could be drawn into such behavior and must be condemned without reservation. He also urged that shared spaces, including online platforms, must be protected from messages of hate or incitement to violence.

He said that the Dublin-New Delhi ties are ‘neither recent nor superficial’ underscoring the depth and history of the relationship between the two sides, and recalled meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar in March.

These messages convey that the authorities are ready to accept immigration of Indians into their country but that a section of the society is feeling threatened due to the Indian community. The authorities should try to address the issue by speaking to those involved in the attacks and neutralize the fear among them.