Derry’s mayor blames racist violence on ‘narratives created by political leaders who have failed us all’

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Lilian Seenoi-Barr has described the “current wave of anti-immigrant sentiment” across Ireland and the UK as “heartbreaking”.

Having retained her council seat in the 2023 local elections, Ms Barr became the first black person to be elected to public office in Northern Ireland. In April she became the north’s first black mayor.

Speaking to The Irish News, Ms Seenoi-Barr, placed responsibility for the ongoing racist violence on the “narratives created by political leaders who have failed us all”.

“Instead of investing in communities, they have chosen to deflect blame onto immigrants, sowing division and hate. While racist individuals will always exist, governments have the power to either curb or encourage them,” she said.

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“Unfortunately, the previous UK government, along with dysfunctional politics in the north, have fostered an environment where people of colour are unfairly blamed for systemic failures. It is shocking to see some hardworking people buy into this harmful narrative.

“Asylum seekers and immigrants have been made scapegoats for crisis entirely caused by government policies – whether it is the housing shortage, the overwhelmed NHS, or crumbling schools. These vulnerable individuals, who have been forced to flee their homes, are now being unjustly attacked and vilified,” she said.

Cllr Seenoi-Barr, who is also director of programmes with the North West Migrants’ Forum added there was a “palpable sense of fear and anxiety within the entire community”.

“This fear doesn’t just affect people of colour, it extends to mixed-race families, where white Irish and British partners are also deeply concerned for their loved ones,” she said.

“For example, I know of one mixed-race family where the retired parents are now picking up and dropping off their son-in-law from work because they fear for his safety. The thought that the father of their grandchild could be attacked, simply for driving alone, is terrifying.”

She added there were “mixed reactions” to remaining in the north.

“Some people are considering leaving, while others are determined to stay, though still terrified. Many are in disbelief, having once believed that they would always be safe here.

“I don’t subscribe to the narrative healthcare professionals are specifically targeted. These individuals harbour racist ideologies and don’t care if you’re a healthcare worker or someone seeking refuge.

“They simply don’t want to see people of colour in Ireland. Their belief in white supremacy leads them to think that Ireland should be only for white people,” said Cllr Seenoi-Barr.

Encouraged by the turnout for Derry’s Unite Against Racism rally on Wednesday, Cllr Seenoi-Barr said she had always believed “there are more anti-racists than racists in our society”.

“The thousands of messages of solidarity I receive and the large crowds at anti-racism rallies across the country, reaffirm this belief,” she added.

“We are the majority, and, as I said at the rally, Ireland is full of kind, caring people who understand the importance of helping those in need.

“We all have a responsibility to challenge racism whenever we encounter it. Social media is rife with misinformation and blatant lies about migration and migrants. Ordinary citizens can challenge this instantly.

“It’s essential to do your own research from credible sources, interact with immigrants to understand their stories, and learn some history to comprehend the causes of migration.

“Simple actions like these can challenge racism and change attitudes,” she said.