Well done to all people who are backing the proposed legislation to bring Ireland into the 21st century! As a native Swede living here for over 20 years I know for a fact that this is the only way forward and I’m proud to be a part of a movement that aims to have more women elected.
Labour TD Joanna Tuffy continues to argue against the proposed gender quota legislation without suggesting any realistic alternative to change the 15-85 percent female to male ratio that is currently in place in the Dáil.
I am a member of the 5050-Group & I find it hard to comprehend why she spends so much energy and time attacking a proposal that can only improve the situation for both women and men, rather than do harm?
As far as I’m concerned, the issue of gender discrimination has not been raised in the 100 other countries across the globe after their introduction of quotas, but it was rather an argument for introducing them in the first place.
But maybe Irish politicians are particularly sensitive to innovation and progress?
It is interesting that Tuffy mentions the grassroots – research has shown that women are very politically active at this level, but, until now, their progress has been stopped from the top!
Minister Hogan’s suggested legislation is therefore a direct response to grassroots activists who need more than goodwill & charity from their respective parties in order to be supported.
I would urge Joanna Tuffy and all other gender quota-sceptics to read up a bit more on the issue & familiarise themselves with what is taking place in other countries before embarking on a loud campaign countering efforts to change the abysmal Irish political situation.
