Gerry 'the monk' Hutch, a prominent Dublin gangland figure, is making waves in the Dublin Central byelection campaign with his anti-immigrant rhetoric, bringing extremist views into the Irish political mainstream. The 63-year-old independent candidate, known for his criminal past, has tapped into growing hostility toward immigrants, especially Black Africans and Muslims, resonating with some voters in the constituency.
Campaign Trail and Rhetoric
On the campaign trail, Hutch has called for detaining 'illegal immigrants' in camps, stating, 'They should be all interned,' and singled out east Africans, saying, 'The ones that are Somalians and them type of people, no way. Interned.' He claims 99% of Irish people want stricter immigration rules but are afraid to speak out. His platform has attracted supporters who feel the government is failing on housing and crime.
Voter Sentiment
Elaine Roe, a 61-year-old cafe worker, said, 'The government is wrecking our country, they're bringing in rapists and murderers and kidnappers. I might vote Hutch, he seems a normal person.' John Clarke, a butcher, added, 'I'm not racist but we should be looking after our own instead of bringing people in. I'm especially against Muslims coming in, they want to take over.'
Political Context
Hutch shocked the political establishment by almost winning a seat in the 2024 general election. He is now running to fill the vacancy left by Paschal Donohoe, a Fine Gael finance minister who left for a World Bank job. An opinion poll ranks Hutch third with 14% of first preference votes, giving him a chance of prevailing through transfers from eliminated candidates.
Mainstream Parties' Response
Mainstream parties have toughened their rhetoric on immigration while disavowing racism. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald sidestepped commenting on Hutch's internment call. Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern was secretly recorded saying, 'The ones I worry about are the Africans. We can't be taking in people from the Congo and all these places,' though current taoiseach Micheál Martin called the comments 'not appropriate.'
Broader Issues
The byelection is dominated by concerns over cost of living (33%), house prices (24%), and immigration (12%), with many voters linking these issues. The death of Yves Sakila, a Congolese man restrained by security guards, has intensified scrutiny on race relations. A charity shop worker said, 'The country is falling to bits. There's no jobs, no housing.'
Despite his criminal record, some voters see Hutch as a chance for change. Jimmy McDaid, 77, said, 'Everyone is entitled to a second chance. Look at the government – they're the gangsters, saying one thing and doing another.'
