Two new candidates to seek seats in Limerick metropolitan district

TWO new candidates have declared their intention to run in this June’s local election.

Fianna Fail has added healthcare professional Suzzie O’Deniyi to its ticket on the northside.

Born in Nigeria, but raised in Limerick from the age of five, she attended Scoil Mháithar Dé primary school and the former Scoil Carmel secondary school in the city.

If elected, she says she hopes to bring her passion for mental health and suicide prevention, plus enhanced care supports for older people and those with disabilities into the role.

“Both my personal and professional experience have enabled me to focus on the improvement in the areas of mental health, better care for our aging population, re-address community safety and expanding recreational opportunities for families and youths,” she said.

Ms O’Deniyi pointed out that women make up only 26% of sitting councillors in Ireland, a figure she described as a “farce”.

“I'm running to be a representative and an ardent voice for those who feel unheard. It is also vital to be part of the decision-making process and that is to bring a fresh and creative community-focused perspective to the council,” she added.

Ms O'Deniyi - who lives in Caherdavin - will be joined on the party ticket by veteran councillor Kieran O’Hanlon.

In City West, a Bangladeshi businessman has announced his intention to run as an Independent.

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Shahin Keza, who lives in Raheen, has lived in Limerick for the past 24 years.

A restaurant owner, he has been active in the All Bangladeshi Association of Ireland, where he has served as vice-president.

There are around 500 Bangladeshi people in Limerick.

He will be the second person from the south Asian nation to seek a seat in City West, with the current metropolitan district leader, Cllr Azad Talukder making history when he was elected to council in 2019.