Tóibín: “ Extreme” Views Highlighted In Secret WhatsApp Groups Will Not Be Tolerated, As He Points To Diversity In Aontú

Ógra Aontú leader John Bryan, 21, who served as the party’s representative in the Clane LEA in Derrinturn, was expelled following an internal investigation into two alleged secret WhatsApp groups among senior youth figures.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has insisted that his party has employed Jewish staff and people of colour, rejecting any suggestion that racism and anti-semitism have a foothold within the organisation.

He said Aontú is “furious” after a string of racist and antisemitic messages emerged from private WhatsApp groups linked to its youth wing.

He said Aontù is a "pluralist party".

Mr Tóibín said he only became aware of the content last Friday, October 17th and that the messages sought to change "the ethos" of the party.

Speaking to Kfm, he described the situation as “heartbreaking,” particularly to see young people’s hearts “hardened by radical online social media content.”

He said the groups sought to “subvert” Aontú and “swim directly against the party’s beliefs,” adding that the colour of a person’s skin “is no different to the colour of their eyes.”

He warned that extreme material circulating online is influencing young people across political life. “It is sad that these groups exist,” he said, stressing that the views do not reflect Aontú values.

Ógra Aontú leader John Bryan, 21, who served as the party’s representative in the Clane LEA based in Derrinturn, was expelled following an internal investigation into two alleged secret WhatsApp groups among senior youth figures.

                                                                        John Bryan

Bryan had worked as a constituency administrative assistant to Mr Tóibín in Leinster House since January, and acted as election agent for Mayo TD Paul Lawless. He has now been removed from both roles.

Party leaders reviewed messages in which racist and antisemitic slurs were repeatedly used, including derogatory language about Black people, Jewish people and conspiracy claims alleging Jewish control of immigration. One group was titled Friends of the GOP Éire.

Another post allegedly discussed how newcomers should first be tested with jokes before using a “welcome to the Hitler Youth” line if deemed trustworthy.

In a separate private chat, Bryan allegedly reacted to a message from Ógra member Peter Irvine - who has left the party -  about restricting children’s access to the internet and smartphones until they turn 16.

Bryan allegedly replied in agreement and added: “And my daughter won’t like brown people,” followed by a series of emojis including a white flag, ghost, church, swords and fire.

Mr Tóibín said he was unaware of Bryan’s views before the investigation. “We are furious,” he told Kfm, describing the episode as profoundly disappointing.

Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender criticised Aontú, accusing the party of “courting with the far right.” He said he was “not even slightly surprised” by the revelations, although Aontú rejects that characterisation and says the conduct uncovered runs counter to the organisation at every level.

Bryan issued a written statement to Kfm, saying he is “deeply ashamed” of the remarks. He said the messages represented him “at my worst,” adding that they were misguided attempts at humour that “in no way reflect my true beliefs.” He stated that there is “no context that can excuse such disgusting behaviour” and apologised “for any hurt this has caused.”