Madam, – While it is true to say that, with nearly 90 per cent of elected representatives, men are dominant in the Oireachtas, it is simplistic to argue that the sole reason is that “women vote for them” (Dr Gareth P Keeley, May 29th).
In addition to being represented by a predominance of men, most political party insiders are men. Consequently it is difficult for women to get a nomination. The fact that women are predominantly the child-minders and carers means also that they have less time for the endless activities that go with being a public representative.
Making the role of being a public representative more women-friendly, however, means getting more women into the Oireachtas. That is the classic chicken and egg situation.
Most countries which have a high proportion of women in their parliaments achieved that position by first introducing quotas. In Ireland, until political parties introduce voluntary quotas to have a minimum proportion of women candidates, no progress will be made on this issue.
In consequence the talents and perspectives of half the population will continue to be marginalised.
Of course, as Dr Gareth P Keeley has pointed out, increasing the number of women candidates will only result in increased representation in the Oireachtas if women voters vote for them. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Lydia Prior writes (June 1st) that Irish people have reason to thank Ailbhe Smyth, her mother, “No one more than me”.
Does she see any irony in her statement, “As a child, I looked on as she fired up the crowds at abortion rights marches”? – Yours, etc,