Seeking votes as a migrant candidate in the forthcoming local elections has proven intensely challenging and dismal, according to a Fine Gael candidate from north Dublin. Supriya Singh, who is campaigning in Donaghmede, has raised concerns about the racial discrimination, destruction, and shameless harassment she has endured in the last few weeks. She finds it incredibly distressing and disappointing and feels it is entirely at odds with the image of Ireland that captured her heart eight years ago.
Having previously worked as a TV producer and journalist in New Delhi, India, Singh, along with her family, resided in London for half a decade before relocating to Ireland in 2016. She became a member of Fine Gael in 2021 and initiated her canvassing activities in the subsequent year. Ms Singh indicated that such threatening behaviour was not part of her experiences before the current year. Even those who held different political views posed no threat and were respectful towards her.
Regrettably, in the past few weeks, she has seen 20 of her promotional placards vanish, along with eight more exhibiting racial hate comments. Last week, she faced verbal assault from a passerby whilst setting up one of her campaign posters. She said: “An individual started recording a video and began vociferously berating my campaign colleagues, which felt stressful and dispiriting.”
She and her spouse were particularly afraid that their 11-year-old daughter might witness the racial insults written on her mother’s likeness. Once removed, the couple concealed the posters within their vehicle until their children were asleep before bringing them into their home. “My son is too young to comprehend, but my daughter would be terrified, she has her entire future ahead of her, and such experiences can be utterly petrifying” she explained.
Overwhelmed by the severity of maliciousness by some, she remembers breaking down one day. She emphasizes that no one should have to bear such situations in their lifetime. Singh has also been subjected to online abuse by a “fake account” on local social media platforms, which was subsequently removed by administrators. She admits feeling incredibly tired, not having experienced such situations before. She acknowledges: “I’ve often heard people say politics is tough for women, now I’m living proof of that fact.”
Damien English, Fine Gael’s election director, recently cautioned about the alarming rates of threats and racism targeted towards candidates with immigrant backgrounds. However, according to Ms. Singh, a unified public declaration denouncing such conduct from all political parties is a necessary response to address the issue.
In the interim, the extraordinarily warm-hearted individuals that she’s encountered whilst out canvasing, offer her tremendous encouragement. “Having made Ireland my home for the previous eight years, it was the affection and kindness of its citizens that motivated me to become an active participant within the community and contribute as best as I can. My central purpose for being here is to provide service and I will persist in this commitment unflinchingly, refusing to surrender,” she expressed.