Green MEP for Dublin Ciarán Cuffe has expressed his sympathies with the children and families affected by yesterday’s Parnell Square stabbing, wishing them a full recovery. He praised members of the Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade who responded to yesterday’s stabbings and rioting in the city centre, as well as everyone involved in this morning’s clean-up and repair work.

He said:

“Our hearts go out to the children and the families affected by yesterday’s horrific stabbing. The criminal behaviour that ensued, ostensibly in response to this attack, stands in sharp contrast today to the heroic and selfless actions of Brazilian Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio, whose response to the Parnell Square stabber helped prevent further injuries.

“The messages of the far-right continue to fuel the flames of hatred today with disinformation. I implore social media companies like X to remove this content expeditiously, in line with their responsibility under EU laws, for the safety of our city. People in positions of power and privilege such as Conor McGregor should also reflect on how their social media postings may have contributed to what happened on Dublin’s streets last night.”

He continued:

“Yesterday’s events add further weight to the case for changing how we approach policing and investment in the north inner city. Yes, we need more Garda foot patrols in the city centre but we also need more targeted investment and to work more closely with communities. That should include ensuring that sufficient resources are available to those who work in mental health and social services to help communities through these difficult times.”

“I hope that this incident will help ensure that the provision of a new school building for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire on Dominick Street is fast-tracked, as children have been studying in  cramped and unsuitable premises on Parnell Square for decades.”

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