Debate contribution: Dublin Central By-election: Gerry Hutch's Remarks

Debate contribution by Mr Matthew O'Toole on 26 May 2026.

MLA: Mr Matthew O'Toole
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 26 May 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Dublin Central By-election: Gerry Hutch's Remarks
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5582740

Text

The reason I ask, First Minister, is that, when those specific remarks were put to your party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, she said:
"We can’t comment on other people’s comments".
She refused, at that point, to condemn the words of Gerry Hutch. I do not want to get into political commentary on every remark that is made, but I see that some of your Members are laughing at this. This is extremely serious. Racism has to be stood against in this society, and, all too often, people see parties playing it both ways when it suits them. Do you agree that it is really important that your party, all over this island, is absolutely four-square and clear about these issues?

120 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2371/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

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