Former Tánaiste Michael McDowell says extremism can have no place in Irish democracy
Former Tánaiste Michael McDowell says extremism can have no place in Irish democracy
FORMER Tánaiste Michael McDowell SC issued a stark warning that extremism can have no place in Irish democracy as he admitted that some extremists have effectively placed politicians and their families under siege in their own homes.
The former Progressive Democrats leader, Justice Minister and Attorney-General said the families of some Irish politicians have been left living in fear because of the actions of extremists in targeting family homes.
He stressed that Ireland needs to remember the harsh lessons of its past that political violence always results in even worse violence. Senator McDowell's comments came after controversial protests by masked groups of agitators outside the homes of some politicians. Recent months have also seen extremists target properties linked to accommodation of refugees and asylum seekers and violent stand-offs with the Gardaí.
His remarks came as he delivered the oration at the unveiling of a plaque to War of Independence hero, Commandant Sean O'Donoghue who led the IRA attack on a convoy of British Auxiliaries in December 1920 which, as a reprisal by Crown forces, resulted in the burning of Cork city centre, an event that helped turned the tide of global opinion against Britain in the conflict.
