Senator Norris must apologise immediately

Published: Tuesday, July 16, 2013

National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) calls on Senator David Norris to apologise immediately for his sexist comments towards Deputy Regina Doherty.

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,

“Senator Norris’ comments were sexist, personalised and completely unacceptable. He should issue an immediate apology, on the Seanad record.”

She continued,

“NWCI fully supports Deputy Regina Doherty’s decision to make a complaint. We call for a full investigation with appropriate sanctions. We also call on the Ceann Comhairle to make a statement denouncing sexist behaviour in the Oireachtas and outlining what steps he will take to prevent further incidents.”

The Senator’s comments represent the second very public incident of sexist behaviour in the Oireachtas in one week. 

Eóin Murray, Coordinator of the NWCI ‘Women in Politics’ project said,

“Our parliament should be a leading example for debate. Our politicians - women and men – do good work. Such incidents undermine this work and make politics a less attractive career for women.”

He continued,

“Our political culture needs a significant overhaul. The government should commit to creating a women-friendly Oireachtas to replace the current ‘old boys club’.” 

Ends/

For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Communications Officer, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104.

Note to Editors:

NWCI is currently conducting research on how to create a women-friendly Oireachtas, due to be launched this Autumn.