skip to main content

'Orbán not welcome in Dublin', says Labour MEP ahead of protest

Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said Viktor Orbán 'is not welcome in Dublin'
Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said Viktor Orbán 'is not welcome in Dublin'

Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said he will protest the Hungarian Prime Minister's attendance at the Ireland v Hungary game in the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.

Mr Ó Ríordáin said Viktor Orbán, who is known for his right-wing politics, "is not welcome in Dublin".

Hungary's parliament, in which Mr Orbán's right-wing Fidesz Party has a big majority, passed legislation in March that created a legal basis for police to ban LGBTQI+ marches, citing the protection of children.

It also pushed through constitutional changes in April stipulating that Hungary recognises only two sexes, male and female.

Mr Ó Ríordáin has organised a protest for tomorrow evening outside on the Shelbourne Road, alongside Labour LGBTQ+.

"He [Mr Orbán] is a man who has banned Pride in Budapest, who has aligned himself with Putin while Ukrainians are suffering and dying, and who stands for everything that football rejects," said the Labour MEP.

"Football is about unity, diversity and bringing people together - Orbán represents division, repression and hate."

He said Dublin city is a "place of welcome and solidarity, not one that tolerates bigots and autocrats".

"Orbán might be applauded in Moscow, but he will not be applauded here," Mr Ó Ríordáin added.

"Irish people will not sit quietly while Orbán struts into our capital."

Additional reporting: AFP/Reuters