Women TDs: it’s the same old story

TWENTY-TWO women TDs have been elected to the 30th Dáil, the same number as in the previous Dáil.

Women’s political representation stays at 13%, leaving Ireland behind countries such as Costa Rica or Uzbekistan.

The notable exception is the Labour party. Of its 20 TDs, 35% are women. This compares to 8% in Fianna Fáil and 9% in Fine Gael.

Quite clearly, women do better with Labour.

Lack of elected women TDs is disappointing and a cause for concern. There is a danger that issues such as childcare, violence against women and public transport will yet again be sidelined as there are not enough women to influence decisions.

The Labour party will continue to be influenced and informed by women. It not only acknowledges that women are under-represented but wants to see all parties being obliged to run more women candidates, as proposed in our election manifesto. Only when the bigger parties start selecting more women will we see any improvement in political representation.

We would like to thank all the women and men who voted for Labour.

Sineád Ní Chulacháin

Labour Women Chair

The Labour Party

17 Ely Place

Dublin 2