In The News The fringe women's group pivoting to focus on migration
Mar 23, 2026
Ellen Coyne, a political correspondent at The Irish Times, outlines a women's group that has shifted from campaigning on gender identity to focusing on immigration. She explains the group's origins, its controversial claims linking immigration to sexual violence, the evidence gaps, the political figures who backed them, and how the story could affect wider politics.
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Countess Shifted Focus From Trans Issues To Immigration
- The Countess group pivoted from campaigning on gender identity to immigration to link rising sexual violence reports with immigration.
- Ellen Coyne says the coalition advances that link despite Ireland lacking data that breaks down crime by ethnicity or nationality.
Small Boswell's Press Event Gained Political Visibility
- The Boswell's Hotel press event drew about two dozen attendees in a small room and included journalists and panelists.
- Despite small size, the presence of elected politicians like Carol Nolan gave it political visibility.
Speakers Misused UCD SERP Report To Imply Migrant Perpetrators
- Carol Nolan and others at the Countess event drew links between immigration and sexual crimes using a UCD SERP report incorrectly.
- Ellen Coyne confirmed the UCD SERP report did not collect perpetrator ethnicity or nationality data.