Residents of Rooskey, on the Leitrim/Roscommon border, clashed with anti-racism activists yesterday at a protest following two arson attacks on a hotel earmarked to take asylum-seekers.

Strong words were exchanged between the anti-racism activists – largely from outside the town – and the locals, who believed that the march was giving the area a bad name.

“We are not racist, absolutely not. We have welcomed everyone, we have been doing it all my life,” said one local woman, adding: “I am really upset about this.”

The woman pointed out that there was very little in the town and suggested that it was simply not suitable for an influx of asylum-seekers.

“Since the factory burned down, there is nothing in Rooskey, there is no bus service, no services for asylum-seekers to be put here in Rooskey,” she said.

The ‘No To Racism: Asylum Seekers Welcome’ rally took place after two arson attacks on the Shannon Key West Hotel in the town in the space of a month.

Asylum-seekers were set to be accommodated at the former hotel, but the property is also at the centre of a sale dispute that is currently before the High Court. Singer Christy Moore was among those who sent messages of support to the anti-racism rally.

Speakers at the event included the MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan. Anti-racism campaigner John Lannon said that while direct provision was not fit for purpose, the asylum seekers needed sanctuary.

“There shouldn’t be division in the village about this,” he added.

Source: Read Full Article