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: Gary Doherty, Sinn Féin
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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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I believe in an Ireland of equals with the same rights and entitlements given to all our citizens regardless of sex, race, age, sexual orientation etc. Women are underrepresented in Irish politics and I support any measure which encourages women to enter politics.
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| Are you in favour of introducing gender quotas for the 2019 local elections?
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YES |
| Please Explain Why
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Women are vastly underrepresented in the Council and I believe the same gender quotas should apply for local elections as exist for general elections.
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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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Sinn Féin have actively encouraged women to stand for public office and 36% of our candidates in this election are women. In our local area we have many women involved and I would encourage greater participation.
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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 | Any measures which support and encourage women to enter politics must be supported. Childcare is a barrier to all employment for women and we have plans to make childcare more accessible for all. As I am not a TD I am not au fait with the inner workings of the Dail but if it is practicable to utilise teleconferencing and proxy voting then I would be open to that.
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