Executive Board of National Women’s Council of Ireland accepts resignation of Susan McKay as CEO
Published: Friday, January 27, 2012
Press Release
27 January 2012
The Executive Board of the National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) has today regretfully accepted the resignation of Ms. Susan McKay as Chief Executive of the NWCI with immediate effect.
Susan McKay has been Chief Executive of the National Women's Council of Ireland since May 2009.
Clare Treacy, Chair NWCI: 'Susan McKay has been a valued Chief Executive of the National Women's Council of Ireland since 2009 and it is with much regret that the Board accepts her resignation. Her commitment to promoting the rights of women and challenging inequality in our society at all levels was unwavering. Under her leadership the National Women's Council of Ireland continued to be a significant voice nationally and internationally and a valuable support and resource for its 160 member organisations. Susan efficiently managed the organisation during a time of substantial economic and political upheaval in this country however, like many other organisations the economic challenges have had direct consequences for the NWCI. Susan conveyed to the Board her reason for wishing to step down as Chief Executive rests with the decision by the Government in Budget 2012 to cut the core funding of the National Women's Council of Ireland by 35%. On behalf of the Board and staff of the National Women's Council of Ireland, I thank Susan for her drive in promoting the rights of women, her leadership in stimulating legislative change and vigorous work tackling inequality and discrimination against women in Ireland. We wish her well in her future endeavours.'
Susan McKay: 'I offered my resignation to the Board of the NWCI on Thursday, 19 January following a meeting with the Minister for Justice & Defence, Alan Shatter TD. At this meeting the Minister ruled out any reduction in the drastic cut of 35% to his department's funding of the NWCI, which follows a series of previous cuts. I consider that the scale of this cut makes it impossible for me to do my job properly as Chief Executive of a national organisation striving to bring about equality for women. The NWCI represents a diverse range of women's groups which do magnificent work in Irish society. It is my personal view that the Government has shown scant regard for women's rights and my resignation is a personal protest against this indifference. I wish the NWCI well in these difficult times for the organisation.'