The top Irish actor, who is well-known for his roles in The Van and Law Abiding Citizen, said what is currently going on in the States is ‘terrifying’
Actor Colm Meaney(Image: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Colm Meaney has said he wants to move back to Ireland from the US because of the Donald Trump administration.
The top Irish actor, who is well-known for his roles in The Van and Law Abiding Citizen, said what is currently going on in the States is “terrifying.”
He also described the targeting of immigrants as “naked fascism”.
Speaking on the Claire Byrne Show on Newstalk, the Dubliner said: “At least the Brown Shirts, unlike these ICE guys, the Brown Shirts would wear a uniform [and] didn’t wear masks.
“And a lot of these ICE agents, so-called federal agents are actually Proud Boys.
“What’s their obsession with trans people? What’s that about? Less than two per cent of the population are trans.”
Donald Trump (Image: MANDEL NGAN, AFP via Getty Images)
Meaney revealed he and his wife Ines have a home in Spain and said the pair spend a significant amount of time there.
He said it’s most likely they will set up shop in Ireland. He added: “I mean, we can’t stay in America at the moment.
“And my kids, one’s in New York, one’s in London; the one in New York is hoping to move, who’s born in America, lives in America – but her and her American husband.
“And I think they’re going to move here as well.”
Meaney acknowledged Dublin was “home turf” but said he was “tempted” by other places around Ireland.
He added: “The fact that, you know, all these great restaurants exist around the country, there’s so many places to go and get great food.”
But he quipped: “The weather’s a problem, of course.”
Claire Byrne(Image: Collins)
He also stressed he was aware life in Ireland isn’t perfect. He said the health services are “terrible” and the housing crisis is “appalling”.
But said the revival of the Irish language made him happy.
He said: “I mean, the house I grew up in was built by Dublin Corporation.
“At a time when we had no money in the country – and it was great.
“All our building became developer-led development; as a result, you have no infrastructure either.
“You have no trains. You’ve no, you know, shops, schools, all that has to be provided by the State.
“Housing needs to be seen, I think, as a right; it’s a social need and social needs should be taken care of by the State.”
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