Roopesh Kumar Panicker, originally from India and a resident of Ireland for 14 years, is running as an independent candidate in the Glencullen-Sandyford Local Electoral Area.

During his campaign, he has been subjected to persistent racist abuse and harassment.

Despite these challenges, he remains determined to continue his political efforts.

Panicker reports receiving numerous threatening phone calls after he included his phone number on campaign leaflets.

The calls often come from private numbers, leading him to stop answering due to fear of further abuse.

He also encounters hostility while canvassing door-to-door, with some residents refusing to engage with him based on his appearance.

In one incident, Panicker was confronted during a protest in Ballyogen, where his attempts to explain his background and contributions to the community initially met with hostility.

He recounts, 'When I told them I’ve worked and paid my taxes, they calmed down a bit.' Despite these experiences, he expresses feeling unsafe in Ireland for the first time in his 14 years there.

Panicker has been active in various political causes over the years, supporting women's rights, the marriage referendum, and more, motivated by a desire to contribute to the community.

He attributes the rise in abuse to a lack of engagement with the far right and emphasizes the need for government action to educate and guide the public.

Despite the negativity, Panicker insists that the abuse will not deter his campaign, stating, 'I will not stop campaigning.

The result will show where the Irish community is.'