In this instance, misinformation and prejudice have dominated the discussionYet, in many ways, all of that is a sideshow, given what Grealish has done. His Dáil intervention followed his description of African asylum seekers as “spongers” during a recent meeting in Oughterard over a direct provision centre. That’s a constructive idea that should be embraced by every party and every politician standing for office. He is a full-time politician in a competitive constituency, and was elected on the 13th count in 2016. By allying himself with local elements opposed to the establishment of a direct provision centre and by questioning the law-abiding nature of Nigerian migrants, Grealish is treading dangerous ground.

Source: The Irish Times November 13, 2019 20:01 UTC