Traveller group calls for Casey to leave race

The Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM) has criticised presidential canditate Peter Casey for what it described as "reckless” and "derogatory” comments he made about the Traveller community.

The entrepreneur and former Dragon's Den star came under fire this week after he claimed that Travellers should not be recognised as having a separate ethnic identity because they are "basically people camping in some else's land”.

"That's a load of nonsense [recognising Travellers a distinct ethnic group]. They are not from Romany or whatever."

He also said that Travellers "are not paying their fair share of taxes in society” and that having members of the community living near you "devastates the prices of houses”.

In a statement issued to the Offaly Independent this week, the organisation also questioned Mr Casey's suitability for the role of president.

"While OTM recognise and respect the importance of freedom of speech in this country, they are also cognisant of the detrimental and profoundly negative impact that racist comments have on the many Traveller families in Offaly and throughout the Midlands. Peter Casey's comments were uneducated, unfounded and completely contrary to years of academic research, international research, human rights standards and Irish government policy. He is therefore not fit to continue in the presidential election and OTM stand with the many people in Ireland who are calling for him to step down without further debate.”