Question to Enda Kenny

Louise Riordan Chairwoman of Dublin 5050 got to ask Enda Kenny a question in Saturday’s Irish Times (01/03/2014). Her question was:

“Why do you believe we haven’t had a female Taoiseach since the foundation of the State?”

“There’s no reason why not. Since the early days we’ve had Countess Markievicz, we’ve had the first woman to serve as a cabinet minister, we have the first woman to serve as a senior Government Minister dealing with children, we’ve had two women presidents, the Attorney General is a woman, our Chief Justice is a woman. There’s absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t have a female taoiseach. Its a matter for the people to decide that choice when they get the chance. We’ve set targets for all the major parties for the next general election, and they’ll be fined heavily if they don’t measure up. I don’t particularly like gender quotas, but I do like to see more and more women involved in politics. After all, they make up half the population of our country”

…..Did he sidestep the question?

Cork Event City Hall Friday 25th April 2014

Calling all women candidates for the Local City, County and European elections. Cork 5050 group is hosting a ‘meet the women candidates’ breakfast event in the City Hall on Friday 25th April 2014 at 9am. We are delighted that the Lord Mayor Councillor Catherine Clancy has made the Chamber available to the group.

In Ireland women are half the population but 5 out of 6 of our politicians are men. This is unfair and needs to be addressed. Political parties are endeavoring to field more women candidates. This is in order that they comply with the candidate selection gender quotas  legislation which will apply at the next general election.

Some of the women candidates are running for the first time and are looking for your support. Cork 5050 is asking the electorate to consider voting for them.

All political parties are invited and we hope to have as many women candidates present. Support from the leadership would be appreciated.

Adrian Kavanagh’s blog from NUI Maynooth has a very up to date list of women candidates in all areas and can be accessed here.

http://adriankavanaghelections.org/2013/10/30/female-candidates-contesting-the-2014-local-elections/