We need to do more than talk about getting more female TDs

Fallout from the general election offers a golden opportunity to increase the number of female councillors in Ireland — and we should grab the chance

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns: 'Ireland ranks 104th in the world for the number of women at national parliament level.' Picture: Damien Storan

Now that the dust is settling on the 2024 general election, will political parties take this golden opportunity to increase female representation in local councils through the co-option process? 

While the spotlight will be on government formation talks in the weeks ahead, parties will be filling the seats left vacant by county councillors elected to Dáil Éireann and this will have a significant impact on the shape of local government in the next five years.