Tánaiste Simon Harris said that claims he is a populist are an effort by the left to “caricature” him and “shut me down”.
He argued that since the public is discussing migration, politicians should do the same, claiming the Dáil is the only place in Ireland where the matter is avoided, reports Breaking News.
Mr Harris has faced criticism for declaring that migration figures in Ireland are “too high”, referring to both asylum claims and overall immigration, and insisting it would be irresponsible not to discuss the system.
He has been accused by opponents of using dogwhistles and of echoing the approach of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, allegations he has rejected, reports Breaking News.
On Saturday, Labour TD Conor Sheehan described Mr Harris as “quite populist”, highlighting his recent remarks on migration.
“That, to me, was just populism. Like it was just Simon Harris saying something a) to distract and b) to divide,” he said in an interview with The Journal, reports Breaking News.
Responding, Mr Harris said he was “shocked” at “how reluctant” Irish parliamentarians were to engage on migration.
He once more emphasised that migration was “a good thing” and that Ireland gains from migrants contributing and making the country their home, reports Breaking News.
He said it would be “bizarre” if Ireland did not have a national migration strategy, adding that his comments came at a time when the number of asylum seekers arriving has increased sharply in recent years.
“The effort to shut down this debate is kind of stark, and it’s really worrying, and it’s one of the reasons why so many Irish people feel disconnected from politics,” he said speaking in Co Kildare on Saturday, reports Breaking News.
“I intend to play my part as a political leader, and Fine Gael intends to play its part as a political party in having a constructive engagement”, reports Breaking News.
“The only populist stuff (has come from) the left in an attempt to caricature me and shut me down, and they won’t succeed”, reports Breaking News.
He added: “I’m really quite shocked and taken aback by how reluctant politicians in our national parliament are to discuss migration.
“It must be the only forum in Ireland where people don’t discuss migration”, reports Breaking News.
“In every community in Ireland, these conversations are taking place, and it’s actually time to show a little bit of political leadership here and actually be willing to discuss issues.
“It’s easy to discuss issues that everybody agrees on. It’s easy to discuss straightforward issues”, reports Breaking News.
“It’s much more about political courage to be willing to actually talk about an issue that is complex”, reports Breaking News.
Asked about a proposal that asylum be granted only on a temporary basis, so that people could return home if conditions improve, Mr Harris said it was “an interesting idea that merits consideration”.
“This country is a compassionate country, I want to be really clear on this, I don’t want us to lose that in the debate,” he said, reports Breaking News.
“The far right try to hijack our national identity; they don’t speak for us. They don’t have a mandate to speak for us.
“We’re a good, decent people in this country, and we want to do right by people in difficult circumstances”, reports Breaking News.
He noted that most people who apply for international protection in Ireland are refused after appeal and said there must be an “honest” discussion about this conducted in a “respectful” way.
“We’ve got to call out the disgusting, despicable criminal acts of people who deserve the full rigours of justice to be served and some of the horrors we’ve seen… That’s separate and distinct to having a policy debate,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
