It Could Happen Here The Irish Far Right/Neo-Nazi Movement
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May 12, 2025 Padraig O Ruairc, an Irish author known for his work on far-right movements, dives into the alarming rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in Ireland post-COVID. He discusses the intertwining of neo-Nazi and paramilitary groups in the country’s political scene and highlights a notable far-right figure's controversial statements. The conversation addresses the alarming rise in violence targeting refugees and the societal implications, emphasizing the need for coordinated anti-fascist efforts to counter these extremist ideologies.
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Ireland's Unique Far-Right History
- Ireland's historical resistance to far-right movements is rooted in its republicanism and complex political history.
- Far-right groups in Ireland have varied from pro-British to pro-independence fascist factions but never achieved major electoral success akin to other countries.
COVID Fuels Far-Right Unity
- The COVID-19 pandemic and strict lockdowns catalyzed far-right mobilization in Ireland.
- Diverse extremist factions leveraged pandemic conspiracies to unify and gain street presence while law enforcement delayed effective response.
American Far-Right's Irish Influence
- American and British far-right rhetoric heavily influences Ireland's extremist groups.
- Irish far-right activism mimics US culture wars, as seen in anti-LGBTQ protests inspired by American movements.