A two candidate strategy in Louth East Meath has seen Fine Gael select the two incumbent male TDs. Fine Gael ironically could be the party with the greatest difficulty in fulfilling the candidate selection gender quota legislation because they have the most incumbent male TDs. The usual excuse that is used – no women wanted to run – cannot be used on this occasion. Councillors Dolores Minogue and Sharon Tolan have missed the opportunity to run for the Dail in the next general election.
Those in Fine Gael who are supportive of gender balance need to come together to counter resistance from incumbents. Other parties have employed an Equality Officer or set-up a specific women’s group to support gender balance. Be under no illusion that those that prospered under the old rules will resist the change. You have been warned…
