Sir, – Padraig Yeates (Letters, May 26th) is right to laud Helen Ogbu’s remarkable performance in the Galway West byelection. How long do we have to wait before a black immigrant is elected to Dáil Éireann?
I was living in the UK in 1987 when Diane Abbott, of the Labour Party, was elected as the first black female MP in the House of Commons. It was a historic moment that radically changed British politics and society. I hope to experience that sentiment of progressive social justice all over again, but next time here in Ireland.
Helen Ogbu, born in Nigeria, secured 11.4 per cent of first preferences, which is much better than many had anticipated. Independent Ireland’s Noel Thomas topped the poll with 20.9 per cent in first preferences, almost twice as many as Helen Ogbu.
No doubt Noel Thomas’s electoral appeal was amplified by his colourful views on immigrants and immigration. Sadly, Ireland is not ready yet for Ogbu.
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Even if a seat in the Dáil is not what the future holds for Ogbu, her unique contribution to Irish politics is already secured. Ogbu has opened the door just a little bit wider for others like her, who one day will make history.
Ogbu is a fearless trailblazer, a community builder, a proud immigrant, and even after losing an election, she has already made Ireland a better place. – Yours, etc.
PROF VITTORIO BUFACCHI,
Department of Philosophy,
University College Cork.
