IRA chanting videos: Taoiseach Micheal Martin says there is no growing tolerance of violence after IRA video rows

Taoiseach Micheal Martin says he does not believe there is a growing tolerance of violence in Ireland after recent incidents where videos of groups singing pro-IRA songs were posted on social media.

Mr Martin said people in Ireland had demonstrated their “antipathy” to the IRA campaign of violence over 30 years.

A video posted on social media at the weekend, which appeared to show passengers at Dublin Airport singing a song in support of the IRA, was widely condemned.

The video features lyrics from Celtic Symphony by The Wolfe Tones.

Last week, a video showing members of the Ireland national women’s football team singing the same pro-IRA chant was condemned by victims of terrorism.

The Football Association of Ireland apologised for the video, which circulated online after Ireland qualified for the Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Speaking after meeting Northern Ireland’s party leaders in Belfast, the Taoiseach said people should not lose sight of Ireland’s years of opposition to IRA violence.

He said: “Nor do I detect any weakening in that overarching view within the population at large about the terrible nature of that violence.

“That remains the strong view of the Irish people, the people of this island.

“In terms of the Irish soccer team, the apology was very, very comprehensive and very genuine.

“There was an acknowledgement in terms of offence that was created.

“I don’t believe there is a growing tolerance of violence but I think there is an obligation on all of us in politics to make sure we take the culture of the gun out of politics for good.

“And new generations are not reared on the narrative around the use of violence. We have come a long way over many decades.”

Earlier, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he had asked the Irish Government to use its influence to attempt to prevent further scenes of people singing pro-IRA songs.

He said those singing the songs “just want to poke us in the eye”.

He added: “We had the singing at the weekend and last week of songs that are deeply offensive to many people, including victims. And I recognise this isn’t just a problem on one side.

“But certainly when you have people who are role models in a community or society who are engaging in this kind of activity, it doesn’t do anything to create the kind of atmosphere that we need to make progress.

“And so we are asking the Irish Government to use their influence in their jurisdiction to ensure that people desist from this kind of behaviour.”

The DUP leader also referenced a weekend attack on Finnis Orange Hall in Co Down.

“There’s cause and effect. When people create a bad atmosphere, unfortunately, people do bad things.”

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill urged people to be respectful of each other.

She said: “I think we all should be very sensitive to the needs of victims and survivors and be very mindful of that.”