Senator Averil Power has announced her resignation from Fianna Fáil. She cites ongoing disillusionment with the party on equality issues. Averil was a great supporter of 5050 and was very involved in promoting greater female representation within Fianna Fáil. It is a blow that she has decided to leave Fianna Fáil. Fianna Fáil has a weak record on promoting women within their own ranks. The last local elections saw Fianna Fáil select only 17.1% female candidates. This does not bode well for them fulfilling the gender quota of 30% for the next general election. Senator Power was dissatisfied with the party’s efforts in the Marriage Equality referendum. She maintains that the party is not committed to equality and do not show leadership on promoting true equality. Proof 0f the pudding is in the eating. Fianna Fáil needs to step up to the plate when it comes to fulfilling the quota. Gender balance in political representation cannot wait any longer.
Monthly Archives: May 2015
Fine Gael’s Richard Bruton Squeezed Out – Briefly
On Thursday 30th April Fine Gael’s selection convention for Dublin Bay North was held. The majority of people – presumably people in Fine Gael as well – support increasing the number of women in the Dail. However maybe its a bit like St Augustine – Oh Lord make me good but not just yet!
A two candidate strategy was considered the best policy for the party if it was to maximise its chances of taking two seats in the next General Election. However with the quota legislation in place this would mean selecting a gender balanced panel – one man and one woman. In the event the party voted strategically knowing that Richard Bruton would be added to the ticket if he lost out.
5050 is looking for fair play and a level playing field for women in politics. Councillor Stephanie Regan is now on the ballot paper. The thirty percent rule means that in constituencies where they have no women selected they will need to counter balance this in other constituencies. 5050 is committed to monitoring this floor. Gender balance in electoral politics is good for everyone. It allows that diversity of ideas that is necessary in a properly functioning democracy.