Women should not leave politics to men

THE contention by Frank McGlynn (Letters, May 19) that women should leave politics to men ignores the basic characteristic of a democracy that, regardless of gender, all citizens are equal and entitled to representation.

It seems unjust, therefore, that women, who are the majority in the electorate, are so grossly under-represented in the Dáil and Seanad.

It is difficult to see how women’s specific interests and concerns could be adequately addressed in a parliament dominated by men.

Anyway, it is simply absurd that the talents and perspectives of half the population are so marginalised in our principal democratic forum.

That women’s under-representation is not a law of nature, as Mr McGlynn implies, is demonstrated by the countries in whose parliaments much more equal representation exists.

Anthony Leavy

1 Shielmartin Drive

Sutton

Dublin 13