Parnell Square hero Caio Benicio loses to far-right candidate in local elections

“I believe we have planted important seeds for the future.”

The Brazilian Deliveroo driver ran for Fianna Fail in June’s elections, but ultimately gained just over 3% of votes, with far right candidate Malachy Steenson being elected.

Fine Gael’s Ray McAdam, The Green Party’s Janet Horner, Sinn Féin’s Janice Boylan, Social Democrats’ Daniel Ennis and Independents Steenson, Niall Ring and Christy Burke were elected in the North Inner City ward.

Parnell Square hero Caio Benicio loses to far-right candidate in local elections

In a post in Instagram on Sunday, Mr Benicio thanked his voters and said: “Unfortunately, we did not secure the necessary votes, but the support and commitment from each of you were invaluable and inspiring.

“The journey was filled with challenges, but also with significant moments, all made possible by our collective efforts. Every word of encouragement, every supportive action, and every moment of dedication were crucial in shaping our path.

“Although the outcome was not what we had hoped for, I believe we have planted important seeds for the future. I have learned so much from each of you and am grateful for your belief and investment in our project.”

43-year-old Benicio was on the street when the attack took place in Dublin last November.

He stepped in to subdue the attacker with his helmet after spotting the attack, saying that his actions were “pure instinct”.

Speaking at the start of his campaign Mr Benicio said his priorities as a councillor would be around road safety and immigration.

Speaking to The Journal in November, Mr Benicio detailed his experience of the attack which saw a five-year-old girl and a creche worker in her 30s sustain serious injuries, while two other children were also injured.

“I didn’t even make a decision, it was pure instinct, and it was all over in seconds,” Mr Benicio said.

“He fell to the ground, I didn’t see where the knife went, and other people stepped in.”

Benicio, who came to Ireland for work after his restaurant burned down in Brazil, said that he used his helmet as a weapon to disarm the attacker.

“I have two kids myself, so I had to do something. I did what anyone would do.

“People were there, but they couldn’t step in because he was armed. But I knew I could use my helmet as a weapon.”

READ MORE: