Election chances 62% lower for  migrant-background candidates 

The Hope and Courage Collective documented more than 30 violent incidents during this year's campaign period.

A third of candidates of a migrant background said they experienced racism and harassment frequently, with social media cited as the main environment where this took place.

A new report published by the Immigrant Council of Ireland found that almost 90% of female candidates were harassed on social media and around 85% of men. Abuse on social media included threats of violence but for some candidates such threats became a reality, with 3% of candidates reporting being assaulted during their campaign. 

One female independent candidate spoke of an incident while out canvassing with her 16-year-old son.

"We knocked at a door and one family, they started shouting. And that was scary because they knew all about me.

They knew my family, they knew my car. I tried to explain but my son said 'Mum, don't waste time, let's go'.

Author of the report Teresa Buczkowska said that 18% of women had family members harassed during their campaign.

A number of candidates said that the environment was noticeably different following the Dublin riots in November 2023.

"[They said] after November something changed in the air and also the media narrative around that time, people said that something changed," said Ms Buczkowska.

"It wasn't as easy as it was before, it wasn't as welcoming and it was more dangerous."

The experience of racism and harassment on the campaign trail resulted in 58% of migrant candidates limiting canvassing and social media presence, while a quarter limited the use of posters. 

At the report launch, Ms Buczkowska said that the data collected was not able to account for the number of people who deselected themselves from running due to fear of harassment.

Having to adjust their campaign strategy due to these experiences put these candidates at a disadvantage compared to others seeking to be elected.

The Strength in Diversity report found that there are other barriers and difficulties that face election candidates of migrant backgrounds, especially those running as independents.

Candidates had access to fewer resources, less funding, and some may not have the knowledge or mentorship to guide them through how to run a political campaign in Ireland.

"Effective electoral campaigning requires a fair public narrative, skills, budget, institutional support, parties’ commitment to affirmative actions, and many more," said Ms Buczkowska.

"We need to discuss what policy interventions are needed to make our democracy truly representative."

CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland Brian Killoran said that Ireland should look to international examples of how we can ensure that migrants are supported and enabled to run for political positions.