Women sidelined - A barrier to progress

THOUGH the debate about the paltry number of women elected to the Dáil has run for decades it is hard to imagine politicians, many of whom are fighting for their political careers, making any great effort to resolve that dichotomy in the immediate future.

There is a strong argument that a candidate’s abilities are far more important than their gender but if we are serious about making it easier for women to take Dáil seats much needs to be done. Especially in the light of recent high-profile retirements and resignations by women deputies.

Precluding nearly half our population from politics is silly and unjust but it will require considerable courage and determination to come up with a sensible solution.