Gerry 'the monk' Hutch, a prominent gangland figure, is running as an independent candidate in the Dublin Central byelection, bringing anti-immigrant rhetoric to the mainstream. The 63-year-old, who was jailed for robbery in his youth, has become a celebrity candidate in a contest dominated by xenophobia and immigration.
Hutch's Campaign and Immigration Stance
Hutch has called for 'illegal immigrants' to be detained in camps, singling out east Africans. 'They should be all interned,' he said. On the campaign trail, he claimed 99% of Irish people want stronger immigration rules but are afraid to say so. Residents urged him to run, he said, as he handed out flyers promising 'leadership' and 'honesty'.
Political Shocks and Polls
Hutch shocked the political establishment by almost winning a seat in the 2024 general election. Now he is running to fill the vacancy left by Paschal Donohoe, who quit for a World Bank job. An opinion poll ranks him third with 14% of first preference votes, giving him a chance of winning via transfers.
Voter Concerns
While polls say the cost of living (33%), house prices (24%), and immigration (12%) are top issues, many voters link them. John Clarke, a butcher, said: 'I'm not racist but we should be looking after our own instead of bringing people in.' Others, like Jimmy McDaid, said they would vote for Hutch to clean up drug dealing, dismissing his criminal record as past.
Mainstream Parties' Response
Mainstream parties disavow racism but have toughened rhetoric on immigration. Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald sidestepped Hutch's internment call. Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern was secretly recorded saying: 'The ones I worry about are the Africans.' Current taoiseach Micheal Martin called the comments 'not appropriate'.
Race Relations Under Scrutiny
The death of Yves Sakila, a Congolese man restrained by security guards, has added scrutiny on race relations. Police are investigating. The centrist coalition has ramped up public spending, but rising prices and a housing shortage have created a sour mood. A charity shop worker said: 'The country is falling to bits. There's no jobs, no housing.'
