Forum Polonia has today published a handout encouraging members of the Polish community to play an active role in the upcoming Irish General Elections.

 

The handout aims to promote civic and political engagement among Poles who acquired Irish citizenship and are entitled to vote at all elections in Ireland. It urges those registered to vote and those considering obtaining a second citizenship to communicate their issues to candidates for the 2016 Dáil elections visiting them during their canvass in the last days of their campaign. This guide also provides sample questions to ask a prospective TD seeking a number 1 vote form Polish-Irish members of the Polish community.  It also encourages them to contact election candidates via email.

 

Speaking about the initiative Agnieszka Wieczorkowska, a member of the Executive Committee of Forum Polonia said: “This is a part of our virtual campaign to mobilise Poles with dual citizenship to take responsibility for the country that has now become a  second home for them and a homeland for their children born here”.  

Voyteck Bialek of Together-Razem Centre based in Cork added that such projects are vital for educating Polish-Irish about the Irish elections and making them aware of different ways of doing politics: “Canvassing candidates is a new and surprising experience for Poles living here. In Poland they never meet any politicians on their doorsteps. So, it is crucial that this election messages reaches out Polish communities all over Ireland”.

 

During the 2016 General Elections campaign Forum Polonia has also been reaching out to the Irish political parties asking for information on immigrant integration plans and encouraging their candidates to get in contact with the Polish communities during the election campaign.

 

The 2011 Census indicated that there are approximately 123,000 Poles living in Ireland.

 

Forum Polonia, is a Polish organisation based in Dublin representing group and individual members of the Polish community in Ireland.