‘Inspiring words to start off an Inspiring day’

As I walked down the street from the Department of Justice to the gates of Leinster House as one of the winners of a "Women in Politics" video competition, it was exciting to think that these other Transition Year girls could be future leaders of Ireland.

Would one become Taoiseach? How about President?

The “Women in Politics” competition set up by the Department of Justice,was to inspire women students to get interested in politics and to mark the 100 year anniversary of women gaining the right to vote.

Senator Ivanna Bacik met us outside Leinster House. "Let nothing hold you back from your dreams, there are so many mentors and role models in society today you don't have to look far for inspiration. If you're passionate about something and want to make a change, do it because there's nothing stopping you," she said.

Inspiring words to start off an Inspiring day.

The day began with a tour of the Department of Justice where we met the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan. This was followed by a brisk walk to Leinster House. There was a huge protest outside the gates and I could see Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin animatedly waving his arms as he talked to a group of frowning faces. Was this an everyday thing?

Once inside, we were able to see the politicians in action in the chamber of the Oireachtas. A few male politicians bobbed around in a sea of empty chairs. Monotone droning about Brexit drifted up to the gallery.

Glancing around I noticed a sign that said “No Mobile Phones”. Was this rule just for visitors? What made this funny was that from where we were sitting, I could see the Ceann Comhairle with his phone out, hidden behind his podium. He was on i-message, all while the opposition parties floated the notions that the Taoiseach has no plans for a no deal Brexit.

Listening to monotone voices, delivered with little enthusiasm, I couldn’t help but think that being a politician wasn’t for me. These guys were pretty boring.

But, things picked up when we entered the Seanad. Senator Ivanna Bacik and the women’s caucus tabled a motion for dealing with “Period Poverty” which would see sanitary products made available for free in all public buildings.

For the first time ever, the issue of menstruation was being dealt with by the Irish government. Poor women will soon no longer have to make the choice between spending money on dignity or food. It felt like I was witnessing a historic moment and my opinion about being a politician softened.

As I walked out of Leinster House with the other TY girls, I took a moment to look around. I wanted to remember their names and faces so that if I see them again, as leaders, I can proudly say that I met them.

Now, 100 years after gaining the right vote, women determining issues in Ireland is gaining momentum. We have come a long way from 100 years ago but still have a far way to go. Here’s to women in politics.