Fianna Fáil row over gender quota claims

A local councillor, who is bidding to run in the general election, has defended his claim the new political candidate gender quotas risk “depriving” men of the chance to represent their community and will “stifle talent coming through”.

Fianna Fáil Dublin city councillor Tom Brabazon hit out at criticism of his comments and argued they are a fair reflection of the issue after his party colleague, Senator Averil Power — who is likely to seek a Dáil seat in the same constituency — said the remarks are “deeply offensive” to women.

Writing in the latest edition of the Northside People newspaper, Mr Brabazon said the public “should want real women with real life experience of the education system, the workplace, childbirth, childcare, managing money in tight situations and general life”.