Attending the Labour Party conference in the fine city of Kilkenny as a delegate for the first time was an experience I will cherish for years to come.
Attending the Labour Party conference in the fine city of Kilkenny as a delegate for the first time was an experience I will cherish for years to come.
Born in a country where many of the basic concepts of civil rights are not respected by its own government, including the right of association to a political party, I felt exhilarated every time I raised my hand to vote in support of motions reinforcing the equality of the sexes and promoting the participation of women; expressing solidarity with those economically disadvantaged and marginalised; and committing the Labour Party to an ethical rights-based foreign policy.
When I was given an opportunity to speak before the delegates – seconding Senator Dominic Hannigan’s motion on the issue of parking charges at train stations, which directly affects my local community – I spoke not as a member of a minority group or a newcomer, but as a citizen in the true meaning of the word, someone who owes his allegiance to a nation where sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people.
I’ve never been prouder to call Ireland my home, and I will always endeavour to lead a life of service to Ireland and its people.
Mohammed Al Kabour
Laytown, Co Meath
