Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch, a notorious Dublin gangland figure, is running as an independent candidate in the Dublin Central byelection, bringing anti-immigrant rhetoric to the mainstream. The 63-year-old, who has a criminal record including robbery convictions, has called for 'illegal immigrants' to be detained in camps, singling out east Africans. 'They should be all interned,' he said.
Hutch's campaign has resonated with some voters in the working-class constituency, where hostility towards immigrants, particularly Black and Muslim newcomers, has become a key issue. Elaine Roe, a 61-year-old cafe worker, said she might vote for Hutch because 'the government is wrecking our country, they're bringing in rapists and murderers.' John Clarke, a butcher, said he was 'not racist' but opposed immigration, especially from Muslims.
Hutch shocked the political establishment by almost winning a seat in the 2024 general election. The byelection was triggered after Paschal Donohoe, a Fine Gael finance minister, resigned to take a job at the World Bank. An opinion poll ranks Hutch third with 14% of first-preference votes, giving him a slim chance against 13 other candidates.
Mainstream parties have toughened their rhetoric on immigration. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald declined to comment on Hutch's internment proposal. Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern was secretly recorded saying he worried about 'Africans' and Muslims; current taoiseach Micheál Martin called the comments 'not appropriate.'
The death of Yves Sakila, a 35-year-old Congolese man, after being restrained by security guards on 15 May has heightened scrutiny of race relations. Police are investigating the incident.
