The 5050 Group in the North West sent out a series of questions relating to women’s equal representation to the 2016 General Election Candidates in Donegal and Sligo-Leitrim.
Below are the questions with the candidate responses.
| Donegal 2016 General Election Candidate: Pat the Cope Gallagher, Fianna Fáil
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| QUESTIONS:
Do you support the 5050 Campaign for equal representation of women and men in Irish Politics?
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RESPONSES:
YES |
| Please Explain Why
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It is important to ensure that our political system is truly representative of all the people of Ireland, including gender, social background, age, etc.
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| Are you in favour of introducing gender quotas for the 2019 local elections?
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UNDECIDED |
| Please Explain Why
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Before any decision is made in relation to local elections, perhaps we should examine the success or otherwise of gender quotas used in the General Election.
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| Would you support an’ A Rural Strategy’ to encourage more women to run for the local elections both as independents and party candidates?
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YES |
| Would you support more women to take up leadership positions within your party, such as chairs and national executive members?
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YES |
| What actions will you take within your party or as an Independent to encourage and support increased female participation in politics?
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I have significant experience in public life at Local, National and European level and I am always willing to encourage, advice and support anyone interested in politics and public service.
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| Would you support actions to make the Dáil more ‘family friendly’ by addressing the working hours, formalising maternity leave and considering other arrangements such as proxy voting and teleconferencing?
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YES |
| Please Explain Why | From my time in the European Parliament, I was responsible for political matters related to Iceland and Norway. I know that these countries have a more progressive approach. For example, a female Minister is allowed to take maternity leave and when she returned to work, resumed her role as Minister. This is an example of sensible and family friendly measures we need to adopt.
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