The protest outside the Camden Court Hotel today
More than 60 people protested outside Dublin’s Camden Court Hotel today to highlight widespread anger at the recent comments against Travellers made by Donegal councillor Sean McEniff, a director of the hotel.
The picket lasted one hour and covered both entrances to the hotel, with support expressed by passing drivers and shoppers.
A large number of hotel staff and Gardai were present to observe the peaceful protest.
Cllr Cieran Perry, (Independent, Dublin) was joined by fellow councillors Louise Minihan, Mannix Flynn and Damien O’Farrell on the protest. Councillors Christy Burke, Anna Quigley and Vincent Jackson sent messages of support.
Cllr Perry said ‘The disgraceful statements made by Cllr McEniff and Cllr Dolan, are openly racist and need to be opposed nationally as well as locally in Donegal. We will oppose Apartheid against Travellers wherever it is proposed. While the parties they are members of are clearly not interested in disciplining their representatives, we are showing that those pandering to ignorance and racism must face the consequences.’
Donegal community activist Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig congratulated the protesters in Dublin today for taking a strong stand against the remarks made by Cllr McEniff and Cllr Dolan.
Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig said that he believes that this could be the start of a number of protests outside Cllr McEniffs Hotels around the Country.
Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig called again for Cllr McEniff and Cllr Dolan to do the right thing now and resign.