Brazilian Deliveroo rider who intervened in Parnell Street attack to stand for local elections

The Brazilian Deliveroo rider who intervened in the Parnell Street attack last autumn has announced he will be standing as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the local elections.

Caio Benicio had been working when he witnessed three children and a care worker being attacked by a man armed with knife outside Coláiste Mhuire, Parnell Square, in Dublin’s city centre on the afternoon of November 23rd, and intervened. One child and the care worker suffered severe injuries.

Mr Benicio was hailed as a hero in the wake of the attack and a website set up for him raised several hundred thousand euro.

Attending the Fianna Fáil 1916 Commemoration in Arbour Hill yesterday, Mr Benicio confirmed that he would be standing as a candidate for Dublin City Council, in the North Inner City area.

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He said following the incident, and the wide acclaim he received for intervening, he wanted to take the next step in seeing how he could help people. “I think that politics is the best way. It’s where you have the power to make the difference.”

He said that he had come in contact with Senator Mary Fitzpatrick and was of the view that Fianna Fáil was the best fit and aligned closest to his views on politics.

[ ‘I used my helmet as a weapon to stop him’: Brazilian Deliveroo rider intervened in knife attack ]

Ms Fitzpatrick said that Mr Benicio was making his life in Dublin, lived in East Wall and wanted to play a greater role in the community.

“He’s obviously highly valued by the school and the community. Before that (incident) he was a delivery driver. He was working in the gig economy. He understands the city and he has a background where he had his own business in Brazil. He has a family and has a lot to offer in terms of being a strong voice on Dublin City Council.”

Mr Benicio said that entering politics was a way of paying people back for their support. “I don’t want to disappoint them. I talk to a lot of people and become a voice for them.”

He said that representing immigrants and becoming a voice for them would be a big priority as would road safety and also general safety on the streets, in the inner city.

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