Far-Right Group and Its Controversial Members
A far-right election candidate who made alarming remarks about using guns in reference to asylum seekers has been identified as a founding member of the group Sinne na Daoine. This revelation adds to the growing concerns around the group, which is described as having over 1,000 members.
Another key figure in the anti-immigrant group, also a failed election candidate, recently threatened to ‘storm’ the Dáil through social media posts. These statements have raised significant alarm among observers and officials alike. The group, known for its extremist views, has connections to individuals with troubling backgrounds.
Martin Murphy, a former candidate for the Irish Freedom Party, made disturbing comments in a 2022 post that included references to carrying guns. He also made a provocative statement about shooting either Liz Truss or Ursula von der Leyen if given only one bullet. In the previous year, he posted tweets calling for Fine Gael TDs and senators to be sent to the gallows.
Sinne na Daoine was founded last year by approximately ten people, including Murphy and Anthony Casey, the president of the Ireland First party. The group has received support from high-profile figures like Conor McGregor, an ex-MMA star and self-styled presidential candidate.
Casey recently stated that the Dáil needs to be ‘stormed already’, suggesting a strong desire for political change. His comments were made in response to a post claiming that Dublin streets ‘run red with the blood of our own’. He questioned whether the group is too extreme and challenged followers on how many innocent lives they are willing to sacrifice.
The group’s activities have drawn attention due to the involvement of individuals with criminal records. A man associated with Sinne na Daoine is currently facing charges for a violent crime. While his identity cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, he has attended meetings where he spoke about the group’s initiatives.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Gerard McNamara, a convicted killer, is part of the group. McNamara, who was sentenced to eight years in prison for killing his father, has been linked to the group’s street patrols. A photo from the group’s first patrol in Limerick city shows him alongside Anthony Casey, both wearing orange vests with the group’s logo.
An informed source described the group as ‘vigilantes’ who put up stickers on the streets they patrol. The group is organized, and potential members are screened before being allowed onto their online forums. A woman within the group conducts the screening process, requiring a FaceTime call or a 30-second video.
McNamara’s criminal past includes a 2012 conviction for manslaughter after he beat his father to death during a drink-fueled argument. Despite his history, he has continued to engage with the group and has made controversial claims on social media. Recently, he accused a Muslim man of inappropriate behavior in a park, leading to the man being hospitalized with a broken jaw. The footage of this incident went viral before being labeled as misinformation by authorities.
In a video posted to his TikTok account, McNamara addressed his criminal past, claiming he did not understand why people commented on his posts referring to him as a murderer. He suggested that his actions were a result of a heated argument, adding that he loved his father and missed him.
The group has also publicized its patrols in Limerick city and Clonmel, as well as listing companies and individuals they label as ‘plantation enablers’ on their website. Martin Murphy has attempted to downplay his threatening posts, stating that they were made before he declared his intention to run in the local election and describing them as ‘gallows humour’.
