[ELECTION ARCHIVE: a look back at Patrick's 2009 election campaign]

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ELECTION BIO

South African-born Patrick (Paddy) Maphoso is contesting Dublin North Inner City as an Independent candidate in the June 2009 local elections.

Endorsed by members of both immigrant and indigenous communities, Patrick stands for social inclusion and puts a strong emphasis on anti-discrimination and anti-racism.

Steeped in the trade union tradition of South Africa and Ireland, Patrick has worked tirelessly for the rights of workers and equality.  He has championed many cases to stop exploitation in the workplace.

Today, Patrick runs a small business in Moore Street and is at the heart of a community that was excluded from the benefits of the Celtic Tiger economy.

Patrick believes politicians colluded with bankers and developers to profit on the back of the electorate through the boom years. He is standing as a voice for change and his campaign priorities strongly reflect his concern to put the needs of ordinary people first in the running of the city.

Outside politics

A keen soccer fan, Patrick established ASSA – African Schools Sports Aid in 2007. He says of seeing children so happy that his “joy at their experience was out of this world”.

He believes that the 2010 World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, will be one of the world’s greatest ever sporting events.