Thousands of people attended the 'Ireland For All' rally in Dublin City Centre this afternoon.
The march was organised by a coalition of political parties, trade unions and community groups to support diversity and oppose racism and division. Demonstrators responded to the far-right protests that have taken place in Ireland recently by chanting: "Stand up, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.”
Those in attendance included Le Cheile, United Against Racism, MASI, People Before Profit, Social Democrats, Sinn Fein, Labour, SIPTU and Forsa. Demonstrators began gathering at Parnell Square at 1:30pm and marched to the Custom House where a number of speeches and performances took place.
Read more: LIVE: Anti-racism rally takes place in city centre
Among the performers was Christy Moore, who led calls for homes and healthcare for all. He hit out at the rental sector and called on the government to provide more supports for the public. He also told the crowd he was present to express his "revulsion" on recent attacks against refugees in Ireland.
Bernadette McAlliskey addressed demonstrators next, asking the crowd "whose side are you on?". She called on the public to pick the side of "humanity and decency".
Academic and activist Ailbhle Smyth said the crowd was there to "stand up against the hatred and disinformation being spewed out by far-right extremists."
“Their vile racism, transphobia and misogyny, deliberately scapegoating minorities, ratcheting up people’s fears and anxieties, driving a wedge in working class communities, we will not stand for that," she told the rally.
“We stand together and today call on government to get off its very well-paid bottom and take action to deal with the desperate situation that people in communities all over this country are facing.
“Cost-of-living rise, public health service crisis, public services crisis, racism, failing to end Direct Provision, ongoing appalling violence against women and girls. It has to end, they have to act now.
"Our message is powerful and simple. We want an Ireland For All."
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