Rory Hearne accuses Ciaran Mullooly of ‘hypocrisy’ in scathing attack on Independent Ireland

Mr Hearne accused Mr Mullooly of “hypocrisy and contradiction” for saying he stands for the values of community development while running for Independent Ireland, which has candidates expressing strong anti-immigrant views.

The academic also alleged Ireland Independent is “spreading division and hate” with some of its candidates’ comments on immigration and non-governmental organisations.

“I am angered at the scapegoating of immigrants and asylum-seekers for problems that were caused by years of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil policy failure and refusal on their part to invest properly in housing, healthcare, children’s mental health and disability services, to name a few,” Mr Hearne said.

“These problems pre-existed the recent increase in migration, and yet we have parties like Mullooly’s ­Independent Ireland shamefully exploiting people’s genuine distress and anger with the lack of housing and services in this country, and turning it on to vulnerable people like asylum-seekers.

“Why won’t Mullooly and others call for tougher action against the real causes of the housing and homelessness crisis – the vulture funds and corporate landlords locking people out of a home, evicting people and raising the rents?”

Mr Hearn said Independent Ireland offers “no solutions” for the problems that have been caused due to a lack of accommodation.

“The election next week will set the course of Ireland and Europe for many years to come. Are we to turn into a divided society?

“Or are we going to come together and address the real causes of the ­crises, work on solutions together, and treat migrants and asylum-seekers with the dignity every human being deserves, and see migrants for how they positively contribute to and ­enrich our country.”

Mr Mullooly said he “utterly rejects” Mr Hearne’s comments.

“I have worked in community development for over 30 years – my on-the-ground experience working with migrants in Roscommon Leader Partnership is outlined clearly on my website,” he said.

“I support the right of those fleeing conflict and oppression to seek asylum here but feel our present system is not fit for purpose – with long delays and a lack of proper consultation with local communities – issues recognised by all of us in community development as core principles for good practice.”

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins did not respond to requests for comment.

Party candidates have said “Ireland is full” when it comes to immigration and radio personality Niall Boylan has also taken a very hardline stance on ­asylum-seekers.

Mr Mullooly previously distanced himself from comments made by his party colleagues and said he does not believe Ireland is full and pointed to a large number of derelict buildings.