To those that have been elected – Congratulations. To those who were not elected – sincerest sympathies but very well done for having the courage to put yourself forward.
The results are all now in and the presence of women in electoral politics has worsened in Cork City with the number going from 6 down to 5.
In Cork County there are now 13 women out of a total of 55 councillors. This is an improvement to just under 24%.
Blarney-Macroom and Cork City North East have the dubious honour of not returning any women candidates. Ballincollig – Carrigaline achieved the highest percentage of women candidates returned at 30%.
The presence of women at the decision making table is crucial. As half of the population women should be half of the representation – equal to men. Within political parties it is important that women see themselves as potential candidates and it is crucial that the party leadership understand the importance of gender balance on the party ticket. The 5050 group will continue to press for the greater presence of women in electoral politics.
Dr Theresa Reidy (UCC) has summarised the outcome in the rest of the country
Women Win the Day
