The mechanism that will shape the destiny of Ireland and its people for the next five years is well underway. Yet a large proportion of the more than 400,000 immigrants who live and work here will not play any significant role in this process. Most of them have no right to vote, have little influence over the drafting or implementation of immigration policies, and may well have no choice but to accept any law or change that the future will bring in.
In the action-packed campaign of the past week there has not been much mention of immigration or immigrants. Rather, this time around the Taoiseach’s finances, stamp-duty and health have captured the imagination of the parties and the electorate. This is in sharp contrast to the local elections of 2004 when, thanks to the Citizenship Referendum, immigration was the hot topic. In the coming weeks, however, it will be interesting to see if immigration will become an election issue and, if so, how the people will react to it at the polling stations. After all, in the years following the Citizenship Referendum, the number of immigrants has increased, as has their impact on this country.
Though not featured very prominently, most of the major parties have come out with their immigration policies ahead of their canvassing. For instance Fianna Fail, which apparently had nothing under the title of ‘immigration’ in the policy section of its website as recently as a week ago, has included its policies on asylum, immigration and integration in its manifesto. The Fine Gael policy section talks of a separate department to deal with immigration, and the same is also part of the ruling party’s proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill. There is also common talk of streamlining, better administration and increased measures towards integration.
But given the very nature of manifestos, the real litmus test is the extent of commitment the next Government will show towards integrating Ireland and promoting a fair and efficient immigration mechanism, once they are voted to power. It also has to be remembered that immigrants are not just affected by immigration policies. As residents, the various policies on health, education and finance have a serious impact on their lives as much as anyone else.
Though not featured very prominently, most of the major parties have come out with their immigration policies ahead of their canvassing. For instance Fianna Fail, which apparently had nothing under the title of ‘immigration’ in the policy section of its website as recently as a week ago, has included its policies on asylum, immigration and integration in its manifesto. The Fine Gael policy section talks of a separate department to deal with immigration, and the same is also part of the ruling party’s proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill. There is also common talk of streamlining, better administration and increased measures towards integration.
But given the very nature of manifestos, the real litmus test is the extent of commitment the next Government will show towards integrating Ireland and promoting a fair and efficient immigration mechanism, once they are voted to power. It also has to be remembered that immigrants are not just affected by immigration policies. As residents, the various policies on health, education and finance have a serious impact on their lives as much as anyone else.
So far, various immigrant interest and anti-racism groups have been doing commendable work to put forth the interests of migrants and give them a voice with the various political parties. But to be able to make a real difference, it is imperative for immigrants themselves to be represented in the electoral process.
Without a franchise, immigrants may not be a force to reckon with in the run up to the 2007 Elections. But as the last issue of Metro Eireann revealed, things could change in the coming local elections of 2009. And at the same time, by virtue of the time they have lived in this country many immigrants will soon gain citizenship by naturalisation. Meanwhile, both political parties and immigrants must do their utmost towards inclusion and participation in politics. This might well be the beginning of a more inclusive democratic process where ethnic minorities can slowly gain representation through contesting and voting in the elections to come.
Economically, socially and culturally, immigrants are important for the future of Ireland. Ireland’s multicultural landscape has now become a permanent reality. Parties that intend to succeed in the future must hereon have the vision to formulate policies which will decide the success or failure of not just the party, but also of the economy and the new multicultural Irish society.
Priya Rajsekar is a freelance writer and director of Naabi Communications Ltd. Send feedback to priya@naabicommunications.com
