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Disgusting and racist social media trolls are now targeting local election candidates just because they’re not white and Irish.

The latest attacks on Irish citizens running for election comes after the Irish Mirror yesterday highlighted trolls attacking a candidate’s child with Down Syndrome.

Michael O’Dowd was sent a nasty message calling him and his 24 year old son with Down Syndrome, Conor, “two retards.”

Conor is an activist for disability rights in his own right.

Now the racist trolls have come out from under their internet rocks and are hurling nasty abuse at Irish citizens running for the local elections in Dublin, including Fianna Fáil’s Imran Khurshid and Ammar Ali.

Some of the terrible and vile abuse included calling Mr Ali a “brainwashed illegal immigrants” who is sent out to “stab are (SIC) kids,” and describing arriving immigrants as “an influx of stupid barbarians.”

Another troll called said the candidates were like the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who she called “Varadkar Nappy head.”

Both candidates are urging others to stand up to trolls and not let it stop them getting involved in politics or activism.

Mr Khurshid said: “I made the decision to run for election to Dublin City Council to stand up for equality and the active integration of all residents in the inner city irrespective of race or creed.

“For the most part, the distasteful and discriminatory comments I have received online are at odds with my experience meeting Dubliners from all walks of life.

“I am determined to highlight the strong sense of community that exists in the North Inner City.

“The warm and welcoming area that I am proud to live in, not allow the nasty words of few dampen my ambition to represent my community.

“I choose to see Ireland as an inclusive country, with opportunities for those who work hard. “The hostility and hate that is shared by these keyboard warriors has no place in our society.

“Becoming an Irish citizen was one of the happiest days of my life and I hope that others who have made their home in Ireland will also put themselves for election in the future.”

Mr Ali said, “The racist and bigoted comments I have received online remind me why it is so important that the council reflects the rich diversity of our city and exactly why I am running for election.

“Despite the fact that migrant communities have been an integral part of Ireland’s capital for decades, we are yet to elect a Pakistani candidate to our Local Authority.

“As a society we still have some work to do to break down the barriers to inclusion.

“I think that Dublin City Council will be improved by hearing from those in the community in the South West Inner City that have migrated to Ireland and chosen to make it home.”

Mr Khurshid is running in the Dublin North Inner City, with Mr Ali running in Dublin South Inner City.

Twitter and Facebook have both told the Irish Mirror that they are also horrified by the comments some people post.

The social media companies have procedures in place to censure the offensive posts and ban the abusive users.

A spokeswoman for twitter said: “Our Hateful Conduct policy strictly prohibits direct attacks toward people on the basis of protected categories such as disability, race, gender, age or religious affiliation.”

A spokeswoman for Facebook said: “We do not allow bullying or harassment on Facebook.

“If reported, the comment in question would have been deleted as it violates our Community Standards.

“We urge people to use our reporting tools if they find content they believe breaks our rules so we can investigate and take swift action.”