Former One Nation Candidate Emma Eros Condemns Pauline Hanson's Divisive Comments
Emma Eros, who made history as One Nation's first Muslim candidate, has launched a scathing attack on party leader Pauline Hanson, accusing her of dividing Australians and embarrassing supporters. The criticism follows Hanson's controversial claim that there are 'no good Muslims' in Australia, which sparked widespread backlash and what critics described as a half-hearted apology.
'Disappointed But Not Surprised'
Speaking to 2GB radio on Thursday, Eros expressed her disappointment with Hanson's remarks, stating she was 'disappointed but not surprised' by the inflammatory comments. 'It's just a ridiculous statement to make,' Eros declared. 'Pauline's never really been articulate.'
The Sydney businesswoman and mother, who is also one of New South Wales' first licensed female plumbers, revealed she faced significant abuse and threats when she ran for the seat of Hornsby in the 2019 state election. She claimed much of this criticism originated from far-north Queensland, where some party members reportedly wanted her removed as a candidate specifically because of her Muslim faith.
Controversial Remarks and Conditional Apology
The controversy erupted after Hanson asserted there were 'no good Muslims' and suggested future generations would suffer if more Muslims were permitted to enter Australia. 'I've got no time for radical Islam. Their religion concerns me because what it says in the Quran, they hate westerners,' Hanson stated. 'You say 'oh well, there's good Muslims out there'. Well I'm sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims?'
Appearing on Sky News on Wednesday, Hanson responded to the mounting criticism with what many viewed as a conditional apology. 'If there is a person out there who is a Muslim and does not support sharia law, female circumcision, child marriages, who (does) support our culture our way of life and our laws, then I apologise to you – if my comment has offended you,' she said.
However, Hanson made clear she would not retract her broader concerns about Islamic influence in Australia. 'Why do I have to be shut down because I'm concerned about the future of this nation? I don't want Australia to become like England. I don't want a caliphate across the world, that's [what] they're pushing for. I don't want to see sharia law. I don't want the burqas worn by women.'
'Half-Arsed Apology' and Party Hypocrisy
Eros dismissed Hanson's apology as lacking sincerity and proper articulation. 'Pauline, my name's Emma Eros, not 'some girl' who represented your party. I stood for your party. I took a lot of heat for your party. I contributed to your party,' Eros emphasised. 'Don't give a half-arsed apology. Articulate your views properly and mean them.'
Despite the initial backlash against her candidacy, Eros acknowledged that both Hanson and then-NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham had stood by her during the 2019 election campaign. However, she argued that One Nation's current behaviour bears no resemblance to its stated mission of uniting Australians.
'The One Nation name is honestly not what it stands for. It doesn't represent one nation, it represents one divide,' Eros asserted, warning that Hanson's comments risk alienating everyday Muslim Australians who pay taxes, raise families, and simply want to live peacefully.
Warning Against Stereotyping and Political Consequences
Eros issued a strong warning against stereotyping all Muslims as extremists. 'Do not assume all Muslims are in the terrorist bandwagon. Nobody wants a terrorist in this country. Nobody wants harm,' she stated clearly.
The former candidate suggested that Hanson often undermines her own political objectives through inflammatory rhetoric. 'Pauline often shoots herself in the foot and goes ten steps back,' Eros observed, implying that such comments ultimately damage both the party's reputation and its ability to achieve its political goals.
This public rift highlights ongoing tensions within One Nation regarding religious and cultural diversity, while raising questions about the party's commitment to its founding principles of national unity and representation for all Australians regardless of background or belief.
