Well done to everyone at last night’s 5050 group midsummer event in Cork. Thanks go to Margaret O Keeffe, Margaret Desmond, Cora Burke, Fiona Collins and Deirdre O Halloran for all their hard work in putting the event together (apologies if I have left any helpers out). Thanks also to the Chateau – the only pub on Patrick Street, for the use of their lovely room upstairs. It was a chance for us all to come together and take stock of what we have achieved over the past couple of years.
We are all volunteers, with full time jobs etc so busy doesn’t even come close. But we are enthusiastic about our cause and so we go the extra mile. Thanks to those who spoke about how we can improve our message about the need for more women in politics.
This is a societal issue. A more gendered balanced Dail is good for everyone. A Dail that suits both women and men. Ciaran Lynch spoke about the 3E’s necessary for politics – Energy, Enthusiasm and Enjoyment. Margaret Linehan spoke about the difficulties for women and the need to keep pushing the boundaries. Tony O Connor offered advice on how to make ourselves more visible. Fiona Buckley reminded us of how well we have done and how easy it is to be knocked off course. Deirdre O Shaughnessy spoke about the importance of making sure our message is heard.
We are hopeful that the legislation on gender quotas for candidate selection will be passed before the summer recess. It is coming into the Dail on the 4th July and it will then go to committee stage. Depending on the number of amendments etc that are tabled it should pass before the Dail breaks for the summer. We plan to mark that special event so keep your diaries open!!
We are grateful to all our supporters who have made their contributions in whatever way. Gender balance in all decision making is important and no more so than in how we govern our country. So come on all you enthusiastic, energetic females – politics can be enjoyable – as last night’s event proved.
