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Irish-born chair of the Greater London Assembly, Dee Doocey, this week (Wed 7 July) heard the Irish community case for recognition and fair treatment. Federation of Irish Societies chief, Jennie McShannon highlighted community concerns that London's commitment to Irish equality is in danger of being watered down. She pointed to population figures in the GLA draft Race Equality Scheme that do not count the Irish as an ethnic group and reduce the estimate of Irish in the capitol to less than 200,000.
McShannon said: "On the basis of polling evidence commissioned by former Mayor, Ken Livingstone, the population of Irish in London is at least 500,000. If Boris Johnson does not count the Irish in London, he will ignore the interests of 9% of Londoners. The Irish won the argument with the Office for National Statistics to collect data on the whole community, including children and grandchildren of migrants. With the 2011 Census fast-approaching, the Federation of Irish Societies wants to ensure that accurate information is used to ensure fairness for all communities in access to goods and services."
FIS pointed out that the London Mayor's draft review of cultural policy makes no reference to the Irish community or the annual St Patrick's Parade - one of the most important events in the London calendar, enjoyed by Londoners of all nationalities. Despite pressing social need, Boris Johnson's draft replacement London plan for housing, ignores the independent assessment he himself commissioned on the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Irish Travellers. McShannon said community groups would also be disturbed that the Mayor's health review makes no provision for recognising the specific health needs of the Irish in London.
When Dee Doocey was elected to lead the London Assembly in May this year, she proclaimed her pride in being the first Irish person to chair the prestigious body. She said her Irish roots have never been far from her heart and would be a key feature in her work over the next year. "The Irish population in London is huge," she said. "So I do think it is very important to have the community represented on the London Assembly.
Jennie McShannon welcomed Dee Doocey's commitment to engage in dialogue with the Irish in London. Discussion confirmed her belief that much of the detailed work and studies conducted on the Irish in London have failed to reach front line politicians. McShannon believes that FIS must draw from politicians' natural pride in their own Irish identity to win better provision and protection for the poorest and most vulnerable among the community.
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