Simon Harris has said former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern caused “hurt and harm” with recent remarks about immigration, telling the Dáil that the comments were wrong and that the Fianna Fáil veteran “should reflect further”.
The Tánaiste was responding to criticism raised by Labour leader Ivana Bacik, who urged him to call on Ahern to apologise following controversial comments made while canvassing on a doorstep during the by-election campaign.
Ahern, who was unknowingly being recorded at the time, suggested there were “too many” immigrants coming into Ireland and referred to concerns about “the next generation of Muslims”, comments which have since sparked widespread political backlash.
Addressing the Dáil, Harris said it was entirely legitimate to debate migration policy, but stressed that no community should ever be singled out on the basis of race, ethnicity or religion.
“I want to be very clear in relation to the comments of the former Taoiseach. They weren’t appropriate, they were wrong,” Harris said.
“It’s never acceptable to single out an entire group of people based on their race, their ethnicity, or indeed their religion.”
“That only serves to demonise or stigmatise a group of people. That's not a helpful contribution. In fact, it's hurtful.”
Bacik described Ahern’s remarks as “dangerous and inflammatory”, particularly given his political legacy in helping to secure peace during the Troubles.
“This language is dangerous and inflammatory, and from a politician who devoted so much of his career to finding a resolution to the Troubles, a conflict based on religious division,” she told the Dáil.
“It’s shameful to hear him refer to a child’s religion when he says he’s worried about the next generation of Muslims.”
She also argued that comments made during the heated Dublin Central by-election campaign risked fuelling hostility towards migrants and minority communities.
During her contribution, Bacik additionally referenced online racist abuse directed at Labour candidate Helen Ogbu in the Galway West by-election. However, Leas Cheann Comhairle John McGuinness interrupted to criticise her for referring to by-election candidates during proceedings, after the House had ruled that the contests were not to be mentioned.
Bacik also criticised social media company Meta, accusing it of failing to adequately deal with hate speech circulating online.
She noted that Ahern remains a member of the Council of State, arguing that his comments carried additional weight because of his public standing.
“He’s more than just a private person making ignorant remarks on a door,” she said.
“Discourse around migration must be rooted in facts, in humanity, and in respect.”
In response, Harris reiterated his condemnation of racism directed at political candidates and migrants alike.
“I absolutely deplore, condemn and call out any racism directed towards any candidate in this Republic and in this democracy,” he said.
The Tánaiste also referenced comments from the chief imam of the Islamic Centre of Ireland, Sheikh Dr Umar al-Qadri, who said Ahern’s remarks had been offensive to immigrants while also acknowledging the importance of open discussion around migration issues.
Harris said immigration had brought enormous benefits to Ireland, particularly in sectors such as healthcare.
“We benefit hugely from people who come to Ireland and make Ireland their home,” he said.
“They’re working in our health service. They’re our nurses, doctors, our healthcare professionals. Hospitals wouldn’t function without people coming here.”
“So we are a better country as a result of people coming here.”
He concluded by saying the remarks had clearly caused damage, even if that had not been Ahern’s intention.
“We should never group people based on religion, nationality or race. So the comments have caused hurt, and have caused harm,” Harris said.
“I’m sure that wasn’t the intention. I certainly hope it wasn’t. I’m quite sure Bertie Ahern would not have intended that hurt, and should reflect on it further.”
