THE NEW IRISH:If you're not born with it, Irish citizenship can be both costly to procure and difficult to obtain. ROISIN INGLEtalks to six women who have recently won the right to call themselves Irish.
IT HAS BEEN a significant year for the Irish citizenship process. Just under half of the 28,000 people granted citizenship during the last five years became newly-minted Irish in the past 12 months alone. For those applying, it has traditionally been a lengthy and often frustrating process with an average waiting time of around three years. The sense of occasion was minimal and often less than dignified, with the swearing-in events taking place in nondescript court rooms, often sandwiched between court cases.
During the past summer, however, there was a shift in tone. Ceremonies took place in Dublin Castle, with large groups instead of individuals being sworn in and the Garda band playing the national anthem.
At the first such ceremony, the Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter welcomed the successful candidates to “our national family”.
Tatiana Tubridy
Colombian native Tatiana Tubridy (37) was in London in 2002 when she met and fell in love with an Irish man. They moved to Ireland three years later, after getting married. “I didn’t want to raise a family in London,” she says. The couple now have two sons, Sean Felipe (4) and Santiago (1). She got her citizenship one year ago.
What's the most memorable thing an Irish person has ever said to you?I had been away and was coming back through Dublin Airport. When I gave my passport to the guy at passport control, he looked at it, gave me back my passport, smiled and said "Welcome home", and it kind of struck me – "Yes, this is my home."
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing mná na hÉireann?Trying to be a mother and career professional given the cost of childcare here.
Favourite Irish food?My mother-in-law's stew and her trifle.
Our most endearing national characteristic? The amount of people who can sing and play musical instruments – even if they are not great at it, everyone tries.
And the most annoying thing about Ireland? I don’t think Ireland is particularly child-friendly. Going to restaurants or on public transport with kids, people seem not to like having kids around. There aren’t a lot of activities for kids, particularly in bad weather.
When do you feel most Irish?When I watch rugby, at the matches or in a pub. I learnt the words of Ireland's Call but obviously I struggle with the national anthem.
Your favourite Irish beauty spot?Dublin Bay. It's so beautiful and changes from whichever way you look at it. I grew up in Bogota, where there is no coastline, so I love it.
The thing I'd never change about Ireland is. . . Christmas time. I love the lights, the atmosphere on Grafton Street and the cheeky glass of mulled wine.
Suzanne McKenzie
When New Zealander Suzanne McKenzie hit 30, in 2000, she decided it was time to see a bit more of the world. After waitressing for a while, she got a job “for three months” with post-production company Screentime. She is now 41 and has been here 11 years – and still works for the same company. She is married to an Irish man and they have two children, India (4) and Xavier (2), with another on the way in January. She became an Irish citizen earlier this year.
What is the best thing about being an Irish citizen?No more queues at immigration and a true sense of belonging.
Which Irish person do you find most inspiring?Sir Bob Geldof. He has selflessly achieved great things for people in need and never forgotten where he's from.
What is your favourite Irish food?West coast natural oysters.
When do you feel most Irish?When listening to traditional music in an Irish pub. You can't beat that feeling.
The biggest challenge facing mná na hÉireann?Participation in business. The percentage of female directors on boards or in CEO positions is well behind on other similar sized countries
Priya Krishnan
Pre-school teacher Priya Krishnan, 32, moved to Ireland 10 years ago from Bangalore in southern India when her husband was offered work in the IT sector. They live here with their two children, Rohit (4) and Tanisha (7). She became an Irish citizen in June this year at the first such civic ceremony to be held at Dublin castle.
What do you miss most about the country you were raised in?My family and the beautiful festivals. We had Diwali (Festival of Lights) recently and I was feeling home sick.
What was your first impression of Ireland?It's so green and unpolluted. I didn't know until later that it was called the Emerald Isle.
Who is your favourite Irish celebrity?Bono because he is a great musician and a humble person who is a global humanitarian.
The best thing about being an Irish citizen?Freedom of movement within the EU.
Favourite Irish food?Not a food as such, but I love Baileys and anything made with Baileys. Baileys cheesecake, Baileys coffee. I love it all.
What is our most endearing national characteristic?Friendliness and kindness.
And our most annoying?Socialising mainly happens only in pubs.
What is your favourite Irish book?Cecelia Ahern's PS. I Love You.
The thing I'd never change about Ireland is . . .the breathtaking natural beauty and the Baileys .
The thing I wish was different about Ireland is . . .the medical system and the cost of childcare.
Dil Wickremasinghe
Dil Wickremasinghe, a broadcaster and social activist, was brought up in Italy until she was 12, when she moved back to Sri Lanka, where her parents were born. At 17 she came out as a lesbian which caused a rift in the family, who did not approve – being gay in Sri Lanka is still a criminal offence. After working as an air steward for Gulf Air, she decided to continue her education and chose the National College of Ireland, as she was dating an Irish woman at the time.
She started off studying and working as a kitchen porter in a hotel, but a part-time receptionist job in a recruitment company saw her rise through the ranks quickly. She eventually left to set up her own business training companies in diversity and equality. Having dabbled in radio in Sri Lanka she now presents a weekly show on Newstalk called Global Village. She is engaged, but says she won’t marry until full marriage equality is achieved. She got her citizenship in February.
Have you any criticisms of the naturalisation process?When you are approved you have to pay €950, and Ireland has the second highest rejection rate in the world. It's viewed as a privilege rather than what it is – a natural progression when you've been living and paying taxes here for some years.
How did it feel to become a citizen?Amazing. I never felt Sri Lankan or Italian as I wasn't really accepted in either country. This is the first place I've felt at home.
What is your favourite Irish food?Dublin coddle.
Out most annoying national trait?Our obsession with talking about the weather.
Favourite Irish music?The Voice – Celtic Woman. Goosebumps every time.
How do you rate this country's future?I came to Ireland 11 years ago with no education. There are so many opportunities here, we just have to lift the cloud of negativity and believe.
Where is your favourite Irish beauty spot?The Phoenix Park. I live close by and love the tranquillity and the joy of having nature on my doorstep.
The thing I'd never change about Ireland is . . .the people and their ability not to take life too seriously, even when things are tough.
Lynn Mullins
Lynn Mullins (34) from Atlanta, Georgia first came to Ireland on holiday in 1999. “I wanted to see the country and trace a few roots,” she says. “But I liked it so much I decided to stay.” She applied for citizenship in 2006 and was approved four years later. After a stint in Tralee, she now works in the IFSC and lives in Dublin with her boyfriend and a puppy, Penny.
What do you miss most about America? The food. I come from the south and everything tastes delicious because each dish usually contains your daily calorie serving. So it's probably a good thing I'm not there.
What was your first impression of Ireland?People take things in their stride and enjoying the small things in life.
Your most awkward Irish moment?One of the girls that worked with me was called Gráinne. I called her Granny for two weeks until someone put me straight.
Your favourite well-known Irish person?Liam Neeson. A fine man. Twice my age but wow, Liam if you are reading, call me. I love you.
The best thing about being a citizen?The passport. Travelling through the EU is so much easier.
Your favourite Irish food?I could eat my own weight in Colcannon.
And your least favourite?Black pudding. Ugh. Who thought of that?
The most annoying Irish trait?Wearing tracksuits. Stop it fellow Irish people, unless you are running a race.
And the best things about Ireland?Sheep walking along the road in Kerry, and a hot toddy by a fire on a cold day in a tiny country pub.
Merrilyn Campbell
Merrilyn Campbell (38) came to Ireland from Melbourne on holiday just over 10 years ago. “I came with a friend and we just loved it,” she says. “Driving around picking up hitchhikers, swimming with Fungi, standing up in pubs for the national anthem. It was all such a novelty.”
Since 2000, she has worked for the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation. She lives here with her partner and became a citizen two years ago.
What is the funniest thing an Irish person has said to you?The directions are always hilarious. "Now do you see that road, don't take that one".
Who is your favourite Irish celebrity?Daniel O'Donnell. He represents tea, the national drink.
What is our most endearing national characteristic?The fact that people are constantly disappointed by the weather.
And our most annoying?The refusal to acknowledge the superiority of Australian chocolate over Irish.
What is your least favourite Irish landmark?The Spire. Pointy and pointless. A symbol of the money we threw away in the good times.
Favourite Irish song? Joxer Went to Stuttgartby Christy Moore.
What would you change about Ireland?The lack of accountability.
