Politics

‘They are not republicans’ – Mary Lou McDonald calls out far-right’s use of tricolour and nationalist language

Sinn Féin president reiterated her call for a more open debate on immigration in Ireland

Mary Lou McDonald, SF leader. ‘Irish nationalism is about the politics of freedom and liberation. It's not about generating division and generating feelings of antagonism against any other section of the community.’ Picture: RollingNews

Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the use of nationalist symbols and language by the far-right in Ireland, saying they are “not republicans”.

The Sinn Féin president was speaking to the Business Post as part of a Christmas interview. Asked what her views were on the far-right co-opting the Irish flag and nationalist language in its campaign against immigration, McDonald said such individuals and groups did not represent true Irish nationalists.

“I would simply say that ...