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 response.
| Sligo-Leitrim 2016 General Election Candidate: Susan O’Keeffe, Labour Party
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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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Half the population of Ireland are women. We need to be represented properly. That’s why I set up 50:50 North West to open the debate about more women in public and political life. |
| 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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We will not reach 50:50 representation without quotas in operation. It’s that simple. Once we change the face of politics in Ireland – literally- we can end the quota system. |
| 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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Labour has a proud tradition of encouraging and supporting women in politics. I have worked hard in government to support the introduction of gender quotas legislation and through setting up 50:50. I have worked hard through 50:50 to encourage and support more women to get involved.
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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 | Parliament should be fit for the modern age and fit for the way we work. This would support working women and men. |