The Green Party has condemned the use of violence at the pro-immigration rally on Saturday 6th February in Dublin's city centre.

Green Party Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe who attended the event on Dublin's O'Connell Street stated:"The vast majority of people who attended the rally yesterday were there to express their solidarity with immigrants, and to express their revulsion at the setting up of an anti-Islamic group Pegida Ireland. A small number tried to turn an overwhelmingly peaceful protest into a confrontation."The Green Party stands with our Muslim community. We deplore any new politics that stokes racist fears.

"We condemn the use of violence at yesterday's protests. We also call on the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to investigate reports that an RTÉ cameraman was injured by An Garda Siochána in yesterday's disturbances.

"44% of my 62,000 constituents in Dublin's North Inner City weren't born in Ireland. Immigration has made Ireland a more diverse and culturally rich nation. We must do more as a nation to promote intercultural dialogue, and to reach out to areas in need and accept those fleeing persecution and war."ENDS last update 08th February 2016