Cavan-Belturbet MD Candidates: Susuana Olatunji Komolafe (Ind)

Mum-of-three Susuana Komolafe, a political refugee from Nigeria who moved to Ireland two decades ago comes with star power having been one of the stars on the 2021 series of Operation Transformation. She founded the Afro Diaspora Center in 2010, and is committed promoting Afro-Caribbean culture, and to the integration and inclusion of the diaspora in Ireland.

How do you unwind?

Mostly it's working within the community. That is one of the first things I do to relax. It's engaging, having conversations with people, that really relaxes me, being in that kind of environment. Doing something for someone else. I get a lot of fulfilment out of that. I don't drink, so that's the way I socialise, through my work in the community.

Why should people vote for you?

I feel it is time for us, as an island, that we have change. I have been in Ireland now more than two decades and I've had an opportunity to see the changes, even in Cavan, a lot of changes. But now I think there is a need for a different voice. A time for something new. We have been use to the same system of government for a long time. Ireland needs new voices, and not just a new voice but a different voice. I believe I can be that person. I speak my mind. I feel I can resonate with the people. I am an average income earner, so I understand what people are going through - working hard, and knowing the things needed to keep people working.

What will you do to address housing supply?

When I first came to Cavan houses were around €400 to rent, a three-bed house, and €500 you'd rent a five-bed. You can't do that now. One of the things I believe so much in is that people on low incomes have access to social housing. It is something in Ireland that people are being deprived of. Many people would rather not go to work because, by the time they start earning very small incomes, they are earning less than €22,000 per annum, they lose their medical card, nearly everything else to exorbitant rent. To rent an apartment right now is €2,000. For some people that is what they earn monthly. How do people survive? More social housing is the answer.

Has Ireland taken in enough refugees?

That is a very sensitive conversation. I've gone through that system myself. Ireland needs to do better. Before they bring migrants into the community they need to provide more resources to support them. It's not about not bringing people in. The problem is we don't have the capacity to sustain the levels coming in. When I came here, there was room for us then. Now, [Ireland] is trying to mingle with the big boys, taking in more and more. They should slow down, get it right. I know Ireland wanted to lead the way, show inclusivity, we're not afraid to accept others, but they could have done it differently to what is happening now with people sleeping on the streets.

What's your main campaigning issue?

There are two things. Housing, I am passionate about. Secondly, it's about supporting our youth. There is really no place for young adults, facilities for them to socialise that is not a pub, or hanging around the street, or going into chipper shops. We need community hubs, like places where they can educate, learn about tech. Those are the kind of things I hope I can make.

Should biodiversity/climate crises top the agenda?

It is not something I would put at the forefront. I think there are more pressing things for now. I know everyone is talking about the climate. There are a lot of things we're doing already to tackle that. People have to live well first.

Who in the political sphere has influenced you the most?

Gerry Adams is one of the people I love, his politics, the radicality in it. The ability to speak up, and fight for people less privileged. Fight for people with no voice. That kind of spirit, I love it. The next would be Sharon Keogan, a woman who is not afraid to be alone in fighting for what she believes in. I love that about her. Sometimes everyone loves to go with the crowd. Not her, and I wish I can be brave like her in standing for what I believe in.