Eleven candidates of immigrant origins are running in Ireland’s upcoming general election, set for November 29, 2024. Among these candidates, six are women. According to the Ireland Times, their electoral programs focus on the challenges faced by immigrants and the public’s acceptance of candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Monica Oyekeh is one of the eleven candidates running for election. She moved from Nigeria to Ireland at the age of fifteen to live with her father after her mother’s death. Oyekeh studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin and now works as a general practitioner in Carrigaline, County Cork. Previously, she ran for local office on the Green Party’s list but was unsuccessful. However, the party has decided to nominate her for the upcoming general election.
The number of candidates of immigrant backgrounds in the upcoming elections is higher than in previous elections. In the 2020 elections, there were only three candidates, including former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who is of Indian descent, according to figures from the Migrant Council of Ireland. This year, six women are running, and all are affiliated with political parties.
Dr. Oyekeh believes that the Irish Parliament fails to represent the identities of immigrants, particularly those from Africa. She stated, “I have discussed various issues with friends and patients in the health sector, and there were many concerns that went unaddressed, along with points I completely disagreed with.” Despite this, she observed that most of her door-to-door interactions were positive.
Oyekeh often encounters a barrage of abusive comments online. “I hear racist insults and xenophobia on the streets. Everything is blamed on immigrants,” she remarked. She aspires to secure a seat in Parliament to represent the community’s needs, especially in healthcare.
In the Galway East constituency, Helen Ugbu is a candidate for the Labour Party. At 51 years old, Ugbu made history last June by becoming the first woman of African descent elected to the Galway City Council during the local elections.
Ugbu engaged in politics after her husband was assassinated in Nigeria for political reasons in 2010. She has been living in Ireland with her daughter for 20 years. Ugbu works as a caregiver for 30 children and as a life coach. She also chaired a refugee support group in Galway and volunteered to support victims of sexual assault at the Rape Crisis Center.
Ugbu discussed her reasons for running for parliament with the Irish Times. She aims to advocate for an inclusive justice system and serve as a voice for migrants who fear speaking out. “Coming to Ireland and witnessing the challenges many migrants face, along with the lack of advocates for them, has influenced my decision,” Ugbu explained.
