SINN FÉIN has released the details of its 265 local election candidates – and not one immigrant name makes the list.
The party’s equality spokesman Aengus Ó Snod-aigh TD claimed the party’s method of “not going out and pinpointing people” to contest elections has backfired.
Ó Snodaigh admitted the situation was “disappointing” for a party that posits itself as immigrant-friendly and all-inclusive.
He denied that Sinn Féin’s support in working class areas, where immigrants tend to be viewed in more negative terms, was a factor. “In our cumann in the south-west inner city, we had two Polish but they’ve both returned home. In the Crumlin cumann there were a number of other non-nationals.”
Ó Snodaigh added: “We look internally for people to contest elections. Maybe we need to review that.”
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens will all field multiple immigrants in June’s local elections.
