First-time voter: ‘I look forward to voting, it makes me feel Irish’

[ Meet the Voters series ]

I came to Ireland from Nigeria in 2002 seeking asylum with my husband and four of my children. My fifth child was born later that year and we applied for asylum under the Irish Born Child scheme and were granted permanent residency.

At first we lived in Tyrellstown but in 2008 we began renting a home in Blanchardstown. My eldest children have moved out and are university graduates but the others, who are 13, 15 and 18, still live at home.

We love living in Blanchardstown because it’s so diverse. It’s also a great area for the kids to grow up surrounded by people from lots of different countries.

I studied childcare at Portobello College and have a diploma in crèche management. I used to run my own crèche but in 2013 we had to close because of the downturn in the economy. I now work freelance in broadcasting and media from home so I can spend more time with my kids. I used to present a radio show on 92.5 Phoenix FM but I'm now setting up media website called Diversity Media Ireland to give migrants in Ireland the chance to express themselves.

I’ve trained in creative writing and have my own publishing company called Skyline Publishers. I’ve also written a number of fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults.

In 2015 I got my citizenship which means I can vote in the Irish general election for the first time. I’m really looking forward to voting, it makes me feel truly Irish. Voting gives you a voice and it makes me feel empowered.

I think homelessness is one of the main challenges facing Ireland today and it's always on my mind because I'm in the private rental sector. If the general election was tomorrow I would vote for Fine Gael. They have been tried and tested and I think they've worked hard in some areas.

I hope the next government will pay attention to the needs of refugees, migrants and those living in direct provision. Migrants often find it difficult to find work and set up a business. We also feel we are not allowed to get involved in mainstream media. It would be nice to have a level playing field with other Irish people.

There is also a growing problem with racism in Ireland. People are getting attacked physically, verbally and it’s getting worse every day. We need to do more about educating people so that we can accept people as all being the same. We’re all human beings.

When I moved to Ireland I actually developed more interest in Nigerian politics. And if I’m interested in what’s going on in Nigeria I should also be interested in what’s happening here in Ireland. During the election I’ll be glued to my seat watching the TV. I don’t really buy newspapers but I will also follow the coverage online.

Constituency: Dublin West

Carol Azams was in conversation with Sorcha Pollak

[ irishtimes.com/election-2016/meet-the-voters ]