Hussey calls for Candidate Gender Quota for Local Elections
Speaking at the Launch of the 50:50 Group in the North West on Monday 16th January at Clarion Hotel, Sligo,
Gemma Hussey* said
Since its foundation in the autumn of 2010, the 50:50 group has caught the imagination of women across Ireland.
Groups are springing up all over the country, showing the frustration women feel at the virtual exclusion of women from national politics.
I am delighted to be here to launch the arrival of the North West 5050 Group.
Government has promised legislation to ensure a minimum of 30% of either gender as candidates for the next general election. That is welcome in itself, as a recognition that Irish governments, like governments in enlightened countries across the world, have a central role in correcting the imbalance.
But the next general election is many years away. The local elections will be held in 2014.
We know local government is the nursery for future TD’s & Senators. So it is essential everything possible is done to bring women into local government next year.
The most important step is therefore to strengthen the legislation at this stage to bring forward the quota for the local elections.
With energy and determination, this can be done. Importantly, it would have the support of Opposition parties since Fianna Fail have already announce their intention to introduce their own kind of gender quotas for the local elections.
I call on 50:50 all over Ireland to launch an energetic campaign to achieve this important aim.
Lobby the Minister, lobby the Parties, lobby local TD’s & Senators. Above all, continue the eloquent & effective use of all kinds of media to bring the message to women all over Ireland:
It is time now to introduce this real political reform for the future of Ireland’s politics. It does not need the Troika’s permission, it does not cost money, but it is centrally important for re-building this broken country.
Congratulations to the women of the North-West for their initiative in getting this group going. I look forward with optimism to a great new future for Ireland.
* Gemma Hussey is former Senator, T.D. & Minister for Education. She was a founder member of the Women’s Political Association. [This link has been added to the Press Release by 50:50 Blog Editor-on-Line]
The 5050 Group 'Advocating for equal representation in politics'
Gemma – what a fine press release – I hope it’s been picked up. From what I’ve heard the launch of 50:50 North West was an excellent meeting. Hopefully valuable connections were made for the future.
You rightfully stress that the message needs to get out to women all over Ireland, via all media. That’s some challenge – a really important one, I think.
Also, and I’m sure you agree, the message needs to get out to men. Men have both influence (and too much of that in Irish politics) & an interest in change. Men stand to gain a lot from women being elected.
Perhaps we could do with a really good thrashing out of this issue on this blog? What do others think?