Historical first female Taoiseach nomination to be made today

Ruth Coppinger will make history today - by becoming the first woman to be nominated as Taoiseach - when she is put forward by People Before Profit and the Anti Austerity Alliance.

Deputies will vote this afternoon on a new leader of the Dáil - however it is unlikely that any of the nominees will gain enough support to take up the role.

It is the second time since February's election that a vote on the position will be held - afterwards Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin will finally meet to discuss forming a Government.

Deputy Coppinger says she believes the time is right for a female Taoiseach: “I think it is quite timely that a woman should be nominated from the point of view of women being particularly hit over the last 7-8 years of austerity.

“The growing issue of a growing demand among 80% of people for a repeal of the 8th amendment, an issue that the male political establishment can no longer ignore.”