IRELAND’S leading opposition party has chosen a Nigerian to contest the local elections in the hometown of its leader.
This June, Nigerian Okey Williams Kalu of Fine Gael will run for a seat in Castlebar, Co Mayo, the hometown of party leader Enda Kenny.
Speaking to Metro Éireann, Okey Williams Kalu (pictured right) said that his decision to contest the election is based on a desire to give something back.
“Castlebar holds special and fun memories for me, probably because three out of four of my lovely children were born here in Castlebar. So to them, my wife and myself, Castlebar is home.”
Kalu, who is the second Nigerian selected by Fine Gael to contest next summer’s local elections, added: “In the run up to this election, I have had a lot of well-meaning people prevail on me to run for office. However, my acceptance of this great call to service is borne out of a desire to bring fresh ideas and a new impetus to governance.”
He said that the people of Castlebar “are some of the nicest people I have met on earth” and are “ very hospitable, accommodating and kind, hence you hardly hear any racist-related incident.”
Asked about his chances of being elected, he said that his candidacy is receiving “overwhelming” support from the people.
“I’m truly humbled by that. Judging from the overall interest and enthusiasm my candidature has received, I am persuaded I will be successful in the polls come June 2009.”
Kalu, who moved to Castlebar three years ago, has seen his profile rise since becoming active with Fine Gael.
“In the last general election, I was privileged to canvas alongside [Fine Gael leader] Enda Kenny,” he recalls. “We went from street to street and knocked on doors and heard numerous problems and needs within the community. These are issues that only a focused and committed leadership could handle.
“I believe that solving the problems confronting the community is a no-brainer, neither does it require rocket-science to be met.”
