Inward migration from EU member states is an important
component of Irish immigration, with EU citizens constituting the majority of
non-Irish immigrants to Ireland in the period 2005-2009. Eastern European
immigrants have been especially hard hit by the recession. Many have emigrated
as a consequence, but significant numbers have chosen to remain. International
research indicates that recessionary periods may be accompanied by a decline in
the quality of relations between the majority population and migrant groups as
the latter are at risk of being scapegoated for the economic downturn
experienced by all. In this economic and social context, political leadership
on the matter of immigration is of crucial importance. Political parties have a
key role to play in framing how the public understand the issue and impact of
immigration.
This research study examines the manner in which
politicians construct non-Irish EU immigrants to Ireland by analysing the
content of statements attributed to this group in the print media. The decision
to examine politicians’ statements made through the print media, rather than
through government or party press releases was informed by a desire to analyse those
statements which are most accessible to the public and therefore most likely to
influence public opinion.