Dual mandate end an ‘opportunity’ for women

THE ending of the dual mandate will give women an unprecedented opportunity to become more involved in politics, one of only three female members of the Cabinet said yesterday.

Government chief whip Mary Hanafin described the 2004 local elections as a potential watershed for female political participation, with more than 120 deputies stepping down from their local authority seats in the wake of the dual mandate being abolished.

“More female legislators would mean more crèches, more playgrounds and less lap-dancing clubs, which exploit vulnerable, young immigrant women,” said Ms Hanafin.