Limerick Healthcare Professional Aims to Make History
Suzzie O’Deniyi, a healthcare professional from Limerick, has her sights set on making history as the first Black woman to be elected to Limerick’s Metropolitan and Municipal Districts.
O’Deniyi, a former pupil of Scoil Mháithar Dé primary school and Scoil Carmel secondary school, has been added to the Fianna Fáil ticket to contest the upcoming local elections in the Limerick City North area.
A Voice for the Unheard
O’Deniyi’s motivation to run for office stems from her desire to be a representative and an ardent voice for those who feel unheard. She aims to bring a fresh and creative community-focused perspective to the council, addressing the underrepresentation of women in local government.
“Women are incredibly underrepresented in local government, making up just 26 per cent of sitting councillors in Ireland. The gender inequality and lack of representation is a farce,” O’Deniyi stated.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Community Development
Among O’Deniyi’s main priorities are suicide prevention and mental health initiatives, enhanced care supports for people with disabilities and older individuals, housing and education support, promoting local businesses and employment opportunities, as well as recreational and greenway developments for families and youth.
“Both my personal and professional experience have enabled me to focus on the improvement in the areas of mental health, better care for our ageing population, re-address community safety and expanding recreational opportunities for families and youths,” she said.
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Diversity
If elected, O’Deniyi would not only be the first Black woman to hold a seat in Limerick’s Metropolitan and Municipal Districts but also a representation of the city’s diversity and progressiveness. Her mother relocated to Ireland from Nigeria at the age of five, and Limerick became their home.
“It has presented some challenges but equally some great opportunities, and that’s why I’m proud to be representing my community as I would like to bring forth the change that’s clearly needed,” the Caherdavin woman said.
With her passion for mental health, community development, and a commitment to representing the unheard voices, Suzzie O’Deniyi’s candidacy has the potential to be a trailblazing moment for representation and inclusivity in Limerick’s local government.
