There have been a growing number of violent attacks on the homes of people seeking asylum, most recently with children and young babies being hospitalised and made homeless by a violent racist arson attack last weekend.

What you say as a political leader on these issues matters. Repeating anti-immigrant talking points is dangerous and only embolden those who want to spread hate and division. The small group of people, whose voices are boosted by social media, do not speak for the majority of us.

All of us, whether we were born here, or came here to seek safety and a better life, deserve respect, dignity and safety in our homes and in our neighbourhoods. I am demanding that as a political leader you refuse to repeat ani-immigrant tropes, and instead bravely stand for a Republic where all of us can thrive.

Please focus on the issues we care about as voters; building homes, fixing our healthcare system and making our education system accessible to all. Stop the trend towards making immigrants an easy scapegoat.

We need leaders who will have the courage and conviction to fight for an Ireland where everyone can thrive.