Justin Barret 'Attacked' while attending UCD debate.

This is a call for meaningfull debate amongst the left in Ireland regarding anti fascist campaigning in Ireland

While I was not in attendance, there have been various reports in the RTE media claiming that a crowd of 'violent thugs' assaulted Justin Barrett before he spoke at the recent UCD debate. Allegations include that individuals were kicking him in the head and that his life was threatened.
There were also reports that an individual other than Justin Barrett was beaten until he lost consciousness (after falling down some stairs).

These allegations, unanswered, can be extremely damaging to the anti-fascist movement, especially as it is easily claimed that there is inherent hypocrisy by those who claim to defend freedom to express an opinion, if they physically attack someone for expressing his views (however disgusting they may be)

The Group, Residents against racism, was mentioned by name in on the liveline show (by Justin himself) and by implication, linked to the alleged violence that took place. Indymedia was also named as a place where violent individuals congregate and plot these kinds of incidents.

We need to have a proper debate about how we in the Global justice movement feel about silencing fascists by whatever means necessary. Should we opt to fight according to the principles we advocate, or is there a need for pragmatism in preventing such individuals from gathering support? It is also important that we ask if such tactics might give Justin Barrett more press and public sympathy than he would otherwise receive and if in fact violence against these people is not counter productive for a variety of reasons.