Congratulations to Joan Burton who was elected the first woman leader of the Irish Labour Party last Friday 4th July 2014. It is the first time in its 102 year history that the Irish Labour Party has a female leader. She has now been confirmed as Tanaiste although she is not the first woman to hold that office. Mary Harney (Progressive Democrats) holds that honour. Mary Coughlan (Fianna Fail) has also held the post.
It is encouraging that these small steps are moving the country towards a more gendered balanced political system. However with the nearly all male banking enquiry we do have some way to go……..
