A NIGERIAN-BORN political activist with Fine Gael has called on the Government to create an innovation centre for immigrant professionals.
Speaking in a personal capacity, Felix Damarola – who works in Dublin’s financial sector – said: “Now in Ireland within the African community, there are engineers, doctors, scientists roaming around the streets, no jobs for them.
“The Government should find a way of utilising them. Let the Government create a centre for immigrants and challenge them [by asking] ‘What can you do that people can see?’
He noted that “a lot of immigrants have projects to do, but are restricted” in their efforts due to a lack of funding and difficulties securing finance.
Damarola said immigrants should also ask themselves what they can give back. “Getting rent, child benefits, that time is gone. I see the financial situation of Ireland as an opportunity for the African population to contribute.”
The Nigerian, who is a Fine Gael committee officer in Dublin North Central, also contended that there is “no racism in Ireland”, commenting: “We only have hatred in Ireland, not racism. On O’Connell Street you see Irish girls holding African men – we live together, not in segregation.”
Damarola, who recently rejoined Fine Gael’s Dublin North Central branch despite his personal relocation to Clondalkin, said that reuniting with his mentor, deputy leader of Fine Gael Richard Bruton TD, was pivotal in his decision.
“I found out that my body is in Clondalkin but by soul is in Dublin North Central,” said Damarola. “Richard Bruton – I can him ‘energy’. Yes, energy. Anyone who moves closer to him will absorb it.
“He is a man of the people. That man is a very powerful man, a top Government functionary, he can mingle with any class, any level. There’s no arrogance on him.”
Damarola contended that Fine Gael has “the magic” to move Ireland forward.
“The Government has run out of ideas, we don’t need to deceive ourselves. Fine Gael is very good at making good decisions at the right time. ”
The Nigerian joined Fine Gael in 2003 after it was the first party among Labour, Fianna Fáil and the Greens to respond to his letter of enquiry.
