The man who made history by being elected Ireland's first black mayor has been welcomed to Leinster House for a special lunch in his honour.
Rotimi Adebari, elected mayor of Portlaoise at the end of last month, was in Dublin with his wife, Ronke, and was welcomed to Leinster House by Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue.
Mr Adebari came to Ireland from Nigeria seven years ago and moved to Portlaoise within a few weeks. He became active in the local community, establishing a support group for unemployed people.
He was elected to Portlaoise Town Council in 2004. He has since set up Optimum Point, a consultancy that trains companies, voluntary and community groups, and educational institutions in cross-cultural awareness.
Mr Adebari works on a new project called Fusion, aimed at integrating immigrants into the wider community. He has a Masters in Intercultural Studies at Dublin City University.
Mr Adebari said today more TDs and local councillors are needed to represent ethnic minorities living in the country. "Ireland now has over 200 different nationalities living here. TDs don't have to be black but I would be delighted to see minority ethnic groups represented in the Dail and in local authorities."
Mr O'Donoghue said the election of Mr Adebari as mayor of Portlaoise is "a significant moment in Ireland's recent development".
He said the election should serve as an example and encouragement to those from other countries who come to live in Ireland.
"I believe it is very important that ethnic minorities are recognised and valued for what they contribute to our society. It is also important that their views and opinions are aired and their needs addressed. As foreign nationals get more involved, at whatever level, in the political process the stronger their voice becomes," the Ceann Comhairle said.
"In two years time local elections will be held, and I hope that we'll see greater cultural diversity reflected and represented on our local councils."
"It enriches our society to have the diversity we now see in Ireland. The involvement of those who have come here from other countries in our political system will enrich our democracy. I am sure it is only a matter of time before we see some 'new Irish' elected to the Houses of the Oireachtas."