Irish Politics a Gentleman’s Club?

Published: Tuesday, November 03, 2009

PRESS STATEMENT

For immediate release

Wednesday 04.11.09

IRISH POLITICS A GENTLEMAN'S CLUB?

The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) today urged immediate action on the introduction of gender quotas for women in politics. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution are currently undertaking a Review of the Electoral System for the Election of members of Dail Eireann.

In her presentation at the Joint Oireachtas Committee today, Susan McKay, Director of NWCI said it was unacceptable that the numbers of women in the Dail and local government had fallen over the last two decades. 'Democracy requires an equal representation of women and men in political life. Would women make a better job of running the country? The bar, as can be seen in our current state of economic crisis, is not set high. Justice demands our participation, but so does the job of getting Ireland on its feet again' stated Ms McKay. [ENDS]

Further information & comment :

Susan McKay, Director, NWC1, - 087 7582222