Paper provides ethnic platform

One of the oldest provincial newspapers in the country has started publishing community notes in foreign languages.

One of the oldest provincial newspapers in the country has started publishing community notes in foreign languages.

Following on the success of a column in Polish, the Limerick Leader - which was founded in the late 18th century - has opened up its pages to Russian, Chinese and African columnists.

The "Ethnic Limerick Feature" has emerged from the growing number of non-nationals now living in Limerick, according to Leader deputy editor Eugene Phelan.

The 2002 census reported that out of the 80,000 people living in Limerick, 5,000 were non-nationals. It is estimated that this figure has risen substantially, particularly since the accession of eastern European countries to the EU last May.

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Mr Phelan said the Leader got a "tremendous reaction" to the Polish column it started six weeks ago. "As far as I'm aware we are the only paper in the country printing community notes in foreign languages."

Keeping up to date on news from the Chinese community is Dr Erzeng Xue, a chemistry lecturer at the University of Limerick, who has been living in Limerick for 12 years.

Lylian Fopabong, from Cameroon, writes about African issues. She came to Limerick over a year and a half ago seeking asylum, having worked as a radio presenter and news reporter for a radio station in Yaoundé. "Because I am an asylum seeker I cannot work, and I miss writing and journalism; I am looking forward to writing this column," said Ms Fopabong.

Dimitri Zaraiski writes the Russian column. A native of Belarus, Mr Zaraiski says he came to Ireland to make a better life for himself economically.