Elaine Loughlin: The Dáil should mark the next International Women's Day with real change

A minister speaking to an empty chamber is an apt metaphor: Instead of generic woman-themed speeches, politicians should use IWD to progress laws that make real differences to the lives of women

Roderic O’Gorman may as well have been talking to the wall as he began his International Women's Day statement: Apart from Leas Ceann Comhairle Catherine Connolly, the Dáil was empty as he started his speech. Picture: Oireachtas TV

"I might as well be talking to the wall," was a refrain heard in many households growing up. 

Equality Minister Roderic O'Gorman must have come very close to that ‘exasperated parent’ feeling when he was literally left speaking to himself in the chamber as the Dáil marked International Women’s Day (IWD).