Green Party representative, Claire Byrne, explains that Ireland stands as one of the unique nations where politicians pursue votes by “genuinely knocking on doors”, emphasising the ultimate democracy witnessed there. She mentions her experience with occasional hostility and dismissed pamphlets but clarifies that such instances are rare. Byrne is preparing for her possible reappointment to the Dublin City Council on 7th June.
Referring to recent instances of candidate slander and assault, Byrne remembers the struggles faced by the Green Party during the challenging election campaigns of 2009 and 2011, when they allied with Fianna Fáil amidst the collapse of the Irish economy. However, she noted that the hostility now appears more intense and polarised, adding a new layer of challenge.
Byrne, who was seen engaged in door-to-door canvassing in St Patrick’s Villas, Ringsend, on a weekday afternoon, was quick to raise concerns over the brewing issue of immigration in the country. Her canvassing location was near the old Shipwright pub which was maliciously set ablaze on the eve of New Year, following false rumours of its conversion into asylum accommodation. Legal charges were brought against a suspect in relation to this incident.
During a conversation with a local, Patricia Daly, she found that people would like a mixed-gender national school in the vicinity and criticised the governmental stance on immigration. Daly acknowledged the cultural diversity of the community, stating that if authorities were clearer with locals about incoming migrants, things would be smoother.
Daly discusses their viewpoint that people immigrating aren’t racists or against newcomers, as many in our area are relocating to Australia and New Zealand. In their opinion, they come here seeking security and safety. With a stronger stance from the government towards migration, Byrne assures there was a fruitful discussion last Friday concerning the conversion of the previously known Shipwright pub into a haven for the homeless starting in August.
Byrne accepts change isn’t easy, suggesting that the ample misinformation that circulates also contributes to the difficulty. However, in their position as an elected representative, they try to keep people aware by providing them with accurate information.
As a councillor for a decade, Byrne serves as the only woman representative in the inner city ward’s five-seat southeast sector, stretching from Wood Quay to Portobello via Poolbeg, and down to Clanbrassil Street. The ward had the least participation in the 2019 Dublin City Council elections, with only about a third of eligible voters casting their ballots.
In those elections, Byrne received the highest votes, beating Sinn Féin’s Chris Andrews (who is currently a TD), along with the likes of Fine Gael’s Danny Byrne, Labour’s Kevin Donoghue (who will not be participating this time), and Independent Mannix Flynn. Various concerns including VAT for local businesses, cycle lanes, parking, and public transport were brought up during her campaign.
Síle Reeves, an occupant of Ringsend Park, inquires about potential improvements to Dublin Bay’s water quality. She reveals her unwavering support for Byrne, citing the Green Party’s commitment to environmental causes and believes climate is society’s biggest issue, which needs to be urgently addressed.
Historically, the ward has been dominated by Labour, the home turf of ex-leader and minister Ruairí Quinn and current leader Ivana Bacik, who clinched the Dublin Bay South byelection in 2021.
Labour candidates Eddie McGuinness and Carol Reynolds are set to participate in this race. Following her statement in an interview with an anti-immigration activist in which Reynolds claimed that Ireland had been overwhelmed with immigrants, the party conducted a probe. She later expressed regret for her statement.
In the political sphere, Sinn Féin has selected Daniel Céitinn, Kourtney Kenny, and Ryan Mooney as their candidates, with Céitinn stepping up to fill the void left by Andrews following his instalment in the Dáil. Concurrently, Fine Gael’s representative, councillor Danny Byrne, has been canvassing votes on Sandymount’s Bath Avenue.
Danny Byrne, a property dealer hailing from County Donegal, points out that the landscape of issues has transformed, with migration gaining prominence only recently. According to him, in the wake of the new Taoiseach’s appointment, there’s been a renewed dedication to tackling it head-on, working towards a well-thought-out, extended strategy. Byrne believes that the perception of Irish citizens being unreceptive is not entirely accurate.
One lady of a certain age, who wishes to remain anonymous, emphasises the need for a ‘sustainable’ approach to issues. She empathises with those in need, but reinforces the fact that action is necessary.
A Sandymount newcomer, who relocated her family to this locale, has voiced his unease about the refugees who have set up temporary homes along the Grand Canal.
Mr. Byrne underscores that whilst housing remains the principal point of contention among his constituents, problems related to parking and congested traffic still rank highly.
A long-term resident of Sandymount for nearly two decades, John Byrne, highlights his desires for added Dublin Bikes facilities and boosted accessibility for electric vehicle charging points. Although he expresses his intentions to back the Fine Gael representative, he maintains that his commitment to green initiatives remains unswayed.
Meanwhile Nicky Scaramuzzi, an Australian resident in Ireland for almost 30 years, confides in Councillor Byrne that her faith in Irish politics remains undiminished, and she warmly commends those standing for election in her vicinity.
“We are in quite a satisfactory position,” she reflects. While acknowledging the country’s struggle with housing and healthcare, she still believes there’s room for optimism. Her concerns for Sandymount mirror the global narrative – a focus on long-term goals, and improving infrastructure such as cycle paths. “Imagine how delightful it would be to enjoy an uninterrupted bike ride all the way to Howth,” she muses.