Suzzie O’Deniyi, a contender in the upcoming Limerick local elections, has revealed that her campaigning team endured severe abuse of a racist, sexual, and misogynistic nature, leaving them considerably shaken by the incident. However, she remains resolute in her decision to persevere in her campaign.
O’Deniyi is contesting under the banner of Fianna Fáil in the Limerick City North region. During an evening canvassing effort in the Caherdavin district of the city last Sunday, four team members were aggressively berated by an unidentified man while the rest of their twenty-strong team, including O’Deniyi herself, were canvassing on a proximate street.
Ignoring requests from the victims of the verbal barrage to stop filming the incident, the man went on to post the video on social media, which quickly gained attention and circulated widely. According to O’Deniyi, this episode has profoundly impacted her team.
Expressing her distress at the discriminatory verbal attack on her hardworking canvassers, she emphasised her commitment to uphold principles of equality and respect. O’Deniyi voiced her concern for her team, who have been left in shock and fear following the incident. This fear was further escalated by the unexpected attention the video garnered on social media.
Ireland’s national police service, the Gardaí, is currently conducting an investigation into the incident. O’Deniyi noted the incident involved four of her team members who had made the journey from Galway to join her campaign.
The reaction of Limerick inhabitants and especially those in Caherdavin to the unfortunate event has been exceptionally sympathetic and understanding, according to O’Deniyi. She further expressed her gratitude for the numerous messages of solidarity from fellow contenders, residents, and even strangers who responded to the viral incident by voicing their disapproval and standing up against such abhorrent behaviour.
Ms O’Deniyi expressed her appreciation for the support she received from her neighbours who have been checking on her. Despite being understandably troubled by the incident, she remains steadfast in her pursuit to garner votes. Ms O’Deniyi reiterated her belief that such instances serve as a vital trigger for boosting awareness and intolerance of such conduct.
Acknowledging the current safety situation, her campaign team has intensified safety measures this week, including a safety briefing before each door-to-door effort, advising team members to dial 999 or 112 if they sense any danger. “Our team members ought to feel secure in their work and should not feel threatened in any form,” she stated.
Ms O’Deniyi, who was born to Nigerian parents, moved to Limerick at the age of five, where she pursued both primary and secondary education. She currently holds a healthcare job and postgraduate distinctions in leadership. She expressed interest in human rights and enacting policies that improve societal conditions, with healthcare – particularly women’s healthcare – being a focal interest of hers, asserting that Fianna Fáil’s policies in this area were the most forward-thinking.
Ms O’Deniyi revealed that housing, not migration, was the most commonly discussed topic on the doorsteps. It’s worth noting that the party already has a councillor in the Limerick City North area.