Elaine Loughlin: Sexist obsession with clothing limits careers

A weekend newspaper effectively lined up several members of Fianna Fáil who attended the party think-in and tore apart their outfits one by one

Elaine Loughlin On the Plinth

THERE’s a black suit jacket with gold buttons and a retro-looking tie that permanently hangs on a coat stand in the corridor directly behind the Leinster House press gallery.

It may not be the most flattering of fits, but it has saved a number of male political journalists over the years who turned up to the Dáil without the stipulated attire.