This is an extract from the Fine Gael manifesto that was published today.
Women in Politics: Fine Gael recognises that there needs to be a substantial increase in the number of women in politics. We will ask the Citizens Assembly, which is examining electoral reform, to make recommendations as to how the number of women in politics can be increased.
Oh no not another examination / report / discussion / set of recommendations and overall excuse to do nothing at all.
How many recommendations and reports do we need to take action on this issue?
At the end of 2009, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality Defence and Women’s Rights chaired by Deputy Bredan Kenneally, produced a comprehensive report on the issue of female political participation in Politics. In that report, the committee noted the significant advancement that other countries had made with the use of special temporary measures or candidate selection quotas.
Why do we need another committee and another report to tell us that political parties are the gatekeepers to the electoral system. They must be obliged through legislation to increase the numbers of women that they field in any election at national, local or European level.
We’ve had enough of the hand-wringing concern about the issue. We need action and we need it now.
Yes, Edel, I totally agree with you – and I actually thought that Fine Gael have promised less bureaucracy and more action if they get into power? Doesn’t look like it when it comes to this issue anyway.