'Beyond vile' - Politicians condemn racial attack on Limerick candidate

POLITICIANS of all parties have expressed solidarity with a local election candidate on the receiving end of abusive harrassment and intimidation while on the canvass.

Gardai have also launched an investigation into the video, which shows Fianna Fail's northside candidate Suzzie O'Deniyi subjected to a tirade of racially charged insults and expletives.

This was while she was out in Caherdavin with her team knocking on doors ahead of polling day next month.

Ms O'Deniyi, a health care professional and a former pupil of Scoil Mháithar Dé Primary School and Scoil Carmel secondary school, says she is aiming to be the first black woman elected to Limerick City and County Council.

Her Fianna Fail colleague, Cllr Catherine Slattery described the abuse as "outrageous and disgusting".

"It's hard enough to get women to run in politics, and when one does, to be abused like that, is just awful," she said.
Minister of State Niall Collins said what took place was "beyond vile".

"It was despicable thing to happen while out canvassing. Suzzie O’Deniyi has had the courage of her convictions to put her name on the ballot to hopefully represent all of the people of Limerick's northside. She has mine and the Fianna Fail party's full support," confirmed Mr Collins.

Labour's northside councillor Conor Sheehan, having seen the video, described it as "terrifying".

"We need more diverse politics. Suzzie is an impressive individual, but she's also a woman and a person of colour. Women and people of colour are being disproportionately targetted like this," he said.

Cllr Sheehan does not believe the abuse came from someone who lives in that part of the city.

"I never thought I'd see what I saw directed at her. I know all the residents who live there, I've done a lot of work and canvassing down there, as have other colleagues. That sort of stuff does not represent our electoral area," he added.

I have seen the video circulating abusing supporters of a candidate in my area. Whoever this racist person is does not represent this lovely neighbourhood and its residents. It is horrible behaviour, no candidate should have to tolerate this. Solidarity with Suzzie and her team.

— Olivia O'Sullivan (@oliviaos) May 16, 2024

Solidarity with Suzzie O’Deniyi.

This cowardly bully needs to be put in his place.

The people of Limerick reject racism, fascism and bigotry. https://t.co/nSD1AxcEvM

— Michael O Brien (@Michael_O_B) May 15, 2024

Unacceptable verbal abuse & intimidation of my colleague @suzzie_od + her volunteer team who were bringing democratic choice to peoples doors in #LimerickCityNorth on a canvass last night. Zero tolerance for this kind of election interference #LE24

— Dee Ryan Dee4Mayor (@deecorbettryan) May 16, 2024

I want to publicly condemn the horrible racism that had to be experienced by volunteer canvassers this evening in Limerick. Solidarity with @suzzie_od & her team.

We are a wonderfully cultural diverse city something I value dearly. Diversity = Strength.#LimerickAgainstRacism

— Daniel Butler for Mayor of Limerick (@DanielButlerFG) May 15, 2024