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The massive arrival of migrants crossing the Channel by boat combined with a real estate crisis, Ireland is facing tensions on the question of immigration. Demonstrators opposing the reception of migrants demonstrate on Monday May 6 in Dublin.
Until now, Ireland had a reputation as a welcoming land for foreigners. But for the thousands of Irish people gathered in Dublin on Monday May 6, it is time for this to stop. “We feel busy, invaded and we don’t even have a say”, complains a demonstrator. They oppose the presence of refugees sleeping in tents on the streets of Dublin. Ireland is facing an unprecedented influx of migrants, attracted in particular by the generous reception conditions. In the midst of a housing crisis, these arrivals arouse the anger of some.
A welcoming country
Several hotels which were to house asylum seekers have mysteriously burned down in recent weeks. Unheard of in Ireland, where the far right is not represented in politics. Hermann Kelly, at the head of a young anti-immigration and anti-European party, hopes to be the first to win seats in local and European elections. A speech which is still far from unanimous in Ireland, where the oldest have often experienced the situation of migrants. With the passing of a new British law which aims to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, Ireland expects to see even more migrants arrive from Great Britain.