Independent candidate reports racial abuseA Nigerian-born local election candidate in Galway has reported a series of racist phone calls to the gardaí, and has also been targeted by racist website contributors, writes Lorna Siggins.
Ms Tokie Laotan, who is running as an Independent candidate in the North/East ward, says she believes the citizenship referendum has "given a licence to certain people to behave in this way".
The Nigerian mother, community activist and part-time model says she was told by one of the callers that he was phoning from Mill Street Garda Station and had a warrant for her arrest.
Mill Street Garda Station said that it was investigating the matter and would take any such report very seriously.
Kenny challenged to radio debate
A Progressive Democrat candidate in Co Cork yesterday confronted Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny on the campaign trail and challenged him to a radio debate with Tánaiste Mary Harney, writes Barry Roche.
Ms Maggie Egerton - who is running in the Fermoy Electoral Area of Cork County Council - travelled to Midleton yesterday where she presented Mr Kenny with the written invite to a radio debate with Ms Harney.
Ms Egerton said she had extended the invitation to Mr Kenny because she wanted him to engage in proper debate of issues and policies with Ms Harney rather than engaging in gimmickry and negative campaigning which Fine Gael have done to date.