Sinn Fein Erne East candidate Kate Mulligan
By her own admission she has ‘raised a few eyebrows’, but Polish born Erne East candidate Kate Mulligan is determined to provide representation for an area close to her heart.
Meeting her husband Stephen in London in 1990 she moved to Fermanagh 10 years later and gave birth to her youngest son.
“I wasn’t born in Ireland, but this country has been home to me since 2000 and I very much care about what happens in my community,” Kate explained. “I have a strong belief that everyone should have a say in how his or her country is being ruled. We all have a duty and are responsible for building a better future.”
In response to claims she may not be in touch with voters due to her background Kate is quick to state her affinity for Fermanagh.
“Erne East is where I live. Erne East is close to my heart. My husband and his family live here. This area has been home to me and my children for 15 years.
“Just because you were born in a different country, it does not mean that you cannot care. I have lived in this country long enough to learn a lot about its troubled past and I can see many similarities between Ireland and Poland, striking similarities in our troubled history: foreign rulers, emigration and discrimination.”
Ms Mulligan explained that standing for election is just another attempt to integrate herself into the community, a far from easy challenge for a Foreign national.
“Many non-nationals have been accused of not trying to integrate. I have been trying to integrate for many years now and it is not easy. I am still trying to involve myself in the local community and standing for election is the latest effort. Irish communities are very close, almost secluded. People here do not trust easily and do not like changes. They need time to convince and to adjust. I just hope for the chance to prove myself.”
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