Fitzgerald: blazes are ‘ appalling’
FORMER Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald branded arson attacks on sites earmarked for asylum seekers “appalling”.
The Fine Gael MEP said while the spate of attacks has not yet got much attention in Europe, the riots last November were “very, very damaging” for Ireland’s reputation and tourism.
She warned that if attacks continue on refugee centres, it could further damage the country’s reputation.
On Sunday, 40 firefighters tackled a blaze at St Brigid’s Nursing Home in Crooksling, near Brittas, Co Dublin. Demonstrators had been gathering outside the building for the past two weeks.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ms Fitzgerald added she hopes those responsible will be held to account.
CRIMINAL
She said: “This is absolute criminal activity. We have to get very, very strong messages [ out that] it’s completely unacceptable, that it could lead to prosecution.
“It isn’t just one or two. We’ve seen about 12 or 13 [ incidents].
“I know St Brigid’s in Crooksling, that was a home for the elderly. I don’t know the extent of the damage but it seemed to be quite serious.
“For the vast majority of Irish people, this is totally unacceptable, appalling behaviour. It’s one thing to protest but to go into arson and danger to life, it has to be pursued.
“I hope we’ll see results. I’m sure the gardai are pursuing it and I hope we’ll see results very soon in the courts.
“It will give a very clear message.
“We are seeing court activity now in relation to the riots. I mean, there’s no way we could go down that track.”