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SINN FÉIN WILL field their first-ever African candidate in next year’s local elections.
Edmond Lukusa is a Congolese native who has been an Irish citizen since 2007 and will join local representative Paul Donnelly on the ballot in the Mulhuddart ward in next year’s election.
Lukusa joined Sinn Féin shortly after he became an Irish citizen, having been a member of the opposition Union for Democracy & Social Progress in his native land.
Although Sinn Féin is known primarily for their republican stance, Lukusa says that was not a difficult ideology to identify with, but that was not the key driving force behind his decision.
I made the decision to join Sinn Féin six years ago believing, as I still do, that they are the only party out there standing up for ordinary citizens.
Sinn Féin’s reputation preceded them in Lukusa’s case, as he had already heard of the party before landing in Ireland in 2001. He says that his experience from back home will help him.
“I have experience in a number of diverse projects and community organisations and I have developed skills and knowledge in politics whilst I was member of the UDPS political party in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Although he is the first Sinn Féin candidate from Africa, Lukusa steps into the race one of the more diverse wards in the country – both in terms of residents and politicians.
In the 2009 local election, both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael fielded candidates who were African-born: Idowu Olfimihan and Adeola Ogunsina, respectively. There was also an Independent, Iggy Okafor, who was born in Nigeria.
Séamus Hazlett of Sinn Féin says that while the polling data undoubtedly played a part in the decision, Lukusa was picked for the ballot because of his work on the ground and his knowledge of the area.
He says that the party is confident of taking two seats in the eight-seat ward next year.
Running-mate Paul Donnelly said that Lukusa’s nomination was testament to the diversity of the area.
“Edmond’s selection is reflective of how diverse this constituency is. I am looking forward to hitting the doors with him and I am pretty confident we can win two seats.”
Lukusa, meanwhile, is quick to rebuff any notions of tokenism.
I am running in this election to win. It’s game on.
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Heya! The Ballinamore Free Fringe is on in Leitrim this weekend too! Music, Comedy and Improv!
Dunmore East, Waterford…
this weekend,
The first of three nights in a row of Councillors Outside Cinema takes place on the Strand – at 8pm it’s The Goonies followed by Stand by Me at 10pm. Saturday night sees Finding Nemo at 8pm and The beach at 10pm while Sunday night it’s The Jungle book from 8pm. The viewings are weather permitting, and cost €10 per adult and €5 per child. Bring something warm to sit on. On Saturday you can catch a demo on how to make Ginger Beer in Azzuro from 1.30pm at a cost of €5, also for €5 there’s seaweed foraging on Councillors strand from 4.30pm, and there’s a free bee-keeping talk in the Lemontree at 2.30pm. The Saturday Market runs from 4pm until 10pm on the Park Road, where you can sample the finest of local produce. Sunday sees an all day farmers market on the Park Road from 10am to 5pm. Waterford GIY will host a spud-off competition for adults and kids in the Park from 11am which is free to attend – the idea is to find the tastiest spud of 2015 and kids are asked to turn up with their best potato head creation. You’ll catch free cookery demos in the Park from midday with The Lemontree Restaurant and local fishmonger Tony Kelly and the big event Sunday is the Picnic and Play in the Park between 1pm and 4pm – which is a free afternoon of family entertainment.
The weekend comes to a close in the Strand in from 6pm Sunday evening where there’s a BBQ for €15 a head, and free entry to a DJ set from Tony Legend.
It’s fun, it’s free and it’s all over Ireland. Visit parkrun.ie for details of over 30 free, weekly, timed 5k runs all over the country. All you have to do is register once, it won’t cost a cent, and bring your printed barcode to any parkrun (there are hundreds in the UK and it is spreading worldwide). All community-based and entirely volunteer-run.
Carrickmacross Arts Festival in Co.Monaghan all weekend check out their Facebook page
Hip hop legends The Jungle Brothers will be playing in the Sugar Club in Dublin…. Check them out if your around Stephens Green.
*TONIGHT
The Craft Beer & Roots Festival is the place to be in Co. Clare this weekend. Held in Hotel Doolin on the West coast of the Banner County.
Anything on in Wicklow???
Charlie Chaplin Film Festival in Waterville, Co Kerry.
FREE family fun day, artisan food & blues festival in The Mall, Castlebar, co. Mayo to celebrate the 20th anniversary of local community radio station CRC FM. takes place on Sunday from noon
Any recommendations fir Sligo..? Hoping for sun anyway
Lee Berger : warriors run on in Sligo http://www.warriorsfestival.com/
The warriors run / festival is on tomorrow in Strandhill, if the sun makes an appearance it’ll be a good day out! https://www.facebook.com/TheWarriorsFestival
Cork Heritage Open Day runs tomorrow. Over 40 buildings open, great buzz in the city centre, and it is free.
ukulele festival in people’s park dun laoire this Sunday
Check out http://www.dublineventguide.com for free events in Dublin
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