Susan O’Keeffe: It will take the actions of millions worldwide to truly eliminate racial hated

Totem moments like this week’s Derek Chauvin verdict can give a false sense of progress against racism but what is required is constant vigilance and a widespread change in mindset

‘We cannot be complacent about our race record in Ireland. We, as a nation, are not very good at owning up to it, discussing it or finding ways of tackling it’

Locking people up and throwing away the key solves very little and, deep down, we know this. As people chant and wave flags and cheer at the very clear outcome of Derek Chauvin’s trial, they are celebrating the emotion of the moment, not addressing the realities that led them there.

Yes, Chauvin’s actions were brutal. He took the life of George Floyd and he will be punished accordingly. And his sentence will likely mean decades ...