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Rejected entrepreneur to run in election

Tuesday, 19 May 2009

A Southsider whose attempt to start up a new business was rejected on the basis that he had not been on the dole long enough to qualify for a back to work scheme has officially been nominated as a candidate in the upcoming local elections. Erik Eblana (40), who lives in Ranelagh, wanted to set up his own walking tour business along the Grand Canal last April. In the face of unprecedented unemployment levels he applied to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. But officials at the department rejected his application, as he had only been unemployed for just over four months while applicants must be unemployed for at least two years to qualify. As highlighted in Southside People, his enterprising hopes were dashed when officials turned down his application, much to his astonishment. He has now announced his intention to run as an Independent candidate for the Pembroke-Rathmines constituency of Dublin City Council. Mr Eblana said: “The city council must reflect all strands of society, including the unemployed, many of whom have never been in this predicament.” He added: “We need to be courageous in tackling the flames of recession and unemployment. We need new thinking.”