The failed election candidate from Croughevoe, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, Sean Blighe, reported a visit from detectives at his residence on Friday night regarding recent social media posts.

Unannounced Garda Visit

“I just had An Garda Síochána here at my door,” Blighe begins, explaining, “for those that don’t know, An Garda Síochána is the Irish police force.”

He continued, “I had two armed detectives at my door here, wanting to know if I’d like to make a statement about a complaint that was made about me. Someone had complained that one of my alleged social media posts, about an alleged rape of a child in Co Mayo, has inciting hatred against a group of people.”

Refusal to Make a Statement

“I told them, ‘absolutely not, I have no interest in making statements late at night when my two children are inside in bed,’ when armed police show up at my door completely unannounced.”

“So, you know, just when you thought Ireland couldn’t get any crazier, we now have the Irish police force knocking on people’s doors, armed, for social media posts. No threats, no directing violence, social media posts that people’s feelings are getting hurt by — absolutely crazy.”

Delayed Legal Proceedings

“The detective told me a file will be sent to the DPP and we’ll see how it goes, but look, you know what the end game is. I’ll keep you posted.”

Garda Spokesman’s Comment

A Garda spokesman commented: “An Garda Síochána does not comment on remarks by third parties or material circulated on social media.”

Blighe’s Criminal Record

Blighe, who has previous convictions for threatening and abusive behaviour and theft, has been seeking donations online in recent times, like several other far-right figures in Ireland.

Support from Supporters

One user made a donation in the hours after Blighe said Gardaí had called to his home. “Sorry to hear you had a Garda visit for a social media post,” the donor wrote.

Blighe has secured thousands in donations through the site where people buy virtual coffees. Many donate much more than just $5.

One person donated $1,000 to Blighe, telling him: “You’re doing great work mate, keep it up.”

He has also received other large donations, including €250 from a person claiming to be an Irish emigrant in the US, ironically against immigration in Ireland.

“Our blood is the indigenous blood of that land … Ireland belongs to the IRISH! You have global support,” the emigrant said.

Far-Right Figures and Fundraising

Far-right figures like Blighe have tapped into a lucrative sideline by seeking donations from supporters around the world who agree with their ideology.

Another Far-Right Candidate: Philip Dwyer

Another failed far-right election candidate, Philip Dwyer, a former postman with a history of kicking dogs, has also made thousands in donations from the same website and others.

Dwyer’s Connections to Notorious Far-Right Figures

Dwyer’s top donor is Tristan Tate, who along with his brother Andrew Tate, was arrested in Romania in 2022 as part of an investigation into alleged organised crime and trafficking.

The Tate brothers deny the allegations and are also wanted in the UK to face sex assault allegations, which they also deny.

Dwyer’s Recent Legal Issues

Dwyer from Tallaght Cross West, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was given a two-month suspended sentence earlier this month after being convicted of failing to comply with a Garda direction and refusing to give Gardaí his name and address under the Public Order Act in early July.

This was the first time Garda bodycam footage had been used in a court case.

Incident at Crown Paints Site

The incident took place when serious disturbances were taken place at the former Crown Paints site in Coolock, earmarked to house asylum seekers.

Dwyer described himself a trainee journalist on a course when he appeared in court, saying he did freelance work with sporadic income, totalling about €500 a year, and relied on social welfare.

Blighe’s Recent Court Appearances

Blighe has also been before the court in recent months.

He was convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour last November over an incident at Abbeyville House, Fermoy, Co Cork.

The building was being prepared for use to accommodate asylum seekers and had been subject to protests.

Verbal Harassment Incident

Blighe approached the driver of a delivery truck and spoke to him. He then told the duty manager Christopher Gomez that the driver’s not going to give him oil, causing the truck to leave.

When a second truck arrived, Blighe began recording and could be heard saying, “the building is for asylum seekers. You are a guest in this country. You will go down in the history books, you will go down in the sewers of Irish history. Go back to where you came from.”

Refusal to Donate

Blighe would have been given the benefit of the probation act if he made a donation to the Irish Refugee Council but was left with a criminal conviction after he refused to make the donation.