Political leaders must listen to people’s views on immigration, says Jim Gavin

There is a “challenge” to integrate people who migrate to Ireland, Fianna Fáil’s presidential candidate has claimed.

Jim Gavin said there must be a “fair” and “robust” process in place, but that policy is set by Government.

“The president can only shine a spotlight on the challenges on the integration within society,” Mr Gavin told the Irish Examiner at the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly.

“I felt this myself when I’ve been the chair of the North East inner city [taskforce] for the last few years. 

“That population is a historic part of Ireland, it has seen some incredible events and historic events in Ireland and yet it feels that there is a challenge that immigration poses to society.

“I’ve seen this upfront and I’ve been working with the board and the people of the North East inner city to meet that challenge of integration of people.”

Mr Gavin said political leaders must “listen” to people’s views on immigration.

The best thing the president can do is listen to the people in the cities and villages and rural Ireland about how that immigration is happening and how we can manage that and integrate into society.

Mr Gavin said immigration has been “part of the island of Ireland for centuries”.

“Indeed, Irish people have emigrated to other countries and thankfully now we have been welcomed,” Mr Gavin said.

“For me, the immigrant community provide so much for our society. I think we all have experience in hospitals or nursing homes [of] the great work immigrants play.

“In Ireland, people are welcomed if they have their visas, have their paperwork in order, and we welcome those who immigrate to Ireland who are leaving their country due to persecution.”

Questioned on his thoughts about the tricolour being used by some individuals to mark out areas where migrants are not welcome, Mr Gavin said he does not believe it should be used “for extremes”.

“The flag is very precious to me, I’m very sensitive on its use,” Mr Gavin said.

“I’m not a believer in extremes, either to the left or to the right. 

The primary role of Uachtarán na hÉireann is to protect our constitution. It’s very clear on our sovereignty, on our democracy, on our independence.

“We share the island with everybody from whatever one’s background is and the flag speaks to that.

“The centre of our flag is the white symbol of peace. The flag is a symbol of Ireland and a symbol of our Constitution.”

On extending the voting rights for the presidential election, Mr Gavin said he supports extending the vote to Northern Ireland as well as to citizens living outside of Ireland.

“I absolutely believe they should have a vote,” he said.

“I spoke to people who have a very successful life abroad. 

“That’s emigration and they have been welcomed by other countries and they would like to have a vote as well in the presidency. 

“I think that’s fair and right as well.”