THE DECISION of increasing numbers of immigrants to stand for election to their local councils should encourage other newcomers to make their voices heard, Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue said yesterday.
At a reception for immigrant candidates at Leinster House yesterday, Mr O’Donoghue cited the Kennedy family’s political success in the United States as a “shining example” of what could be achieved by newcomers dedicated to serving their communities.
“Integration is about getting involved in a new culture and new lifestyle,” he said, “but it is also about getting involved in the political system, being an active citizen and working for the good of your community.”
Fourteen candidates from nine countries attended the event, including representatives of Nigeria, Russia, Colombia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“I believe it is very important that ethnic minorities are recognised and valued for what they contribute to our society,” Mr O’Donoghue told them. “It is also important that their views and opinions are aired and their needs addressed.
“The decision . . . to stand for election should serve as an example and encouragement to those from other countries who come to live in Ireland, he added.
Benedicta Attoh, who is standing for Fine Gael in Dundalk, said she chose the party because of its values, which included “social justice, equality, reward for enterprise”.
The biggest issue on the doorsteps was the state of the health service and in particular the “degrading” of Louth County Hospital.
“I’m just a good candidate who happens to be a black woman. The issue of colour hasn’t come up so far . . . I’m going up there to represent the people of Dundalk area. I’m not an immigrant candidate.”
Ignatius Okafor, a Nigerian who is standing as an Independent in Fingal, Dublin, said the major issue in his area was a lack of amenities.
“Tyrrelstown has had 2,200 houses built. There are no facilities whatsoever. Nothing has happened in all these years. Something has to change and that’s why I’m running as an Independent.”
For some among the foreign-born candidates, this will not be their first time on a ballot paper.
Katarzyna Gaborec, a Polish Fianna Fáil candidate in Mullingar, lost out in Poland’s last local elections by just three votes.
“I would like to help integrate the Polish community and other eastern European communities. If we start to co-operate, we can create good things for all the community, not just foreigners,” she said.
While the great majority of the candidates reported being well received on the doorsteps, Patrick Maphoso, an Independent running in Dublin city, sounded a different note. He said he was racially abused by two middle-aged men near the North Circular Road on Tuesday night and reported the incident to gardaí.
“Two guys asked me to leave the area and they told me how much they hate blacks . . . I had to leave for the safety of my team and myself,” Mr Maphoso said.