Backbencher takes issue with gender equality plans

Plans by Environment Minister Phil Hogan to ensure more gender equality in elections have been criticised by one Fine Gael backbencher for not going far enough.

The Dáil has begun debating gender quota legislation which was passed in the Seanad last week, requiring each party to have at least 30% of both male and female candidates on the next general election, expected in 2016.

However, Kildare South TD Martin Heydon said, if the Government was “serious” about women’s participation in politics, quotas would be extended to include the 2014 local elections. “More local female councillors would result in more female TDs.”