Local politics failing to reflect diversity: Equality Commission

Important: Eileen Lavery WOMEN along with those from ethnic backgrounds and individuals with disabilities continue to be under-represented in elected political positions in Northern Ireland, according to findings from the Equality Commission.

Statistics published yesterday reveal that women make up 22% of our MPs, 30% of our MLAs, 25% of our local councillors and 23% of our council mayors or chairpersons (23%).

Within government public appointments it was 41%, and as publicly appointed chairpersonships 24%.

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, which published its latest report yesterday, also concluded that little improvement has been made in terms of the numbers of persons with disabilities in government public appointments over the period 2006–16, from 2% to 3% over the specified period.

Currently, there is no political presence in terms of ethnic minorities within the Assembly, and only one elected member in all 11 local councils, the findings also noted.

“It is important that the people who make the major decisions that affect our lives are representative of all of us who live in Northern Ireland,” said Eileen Lavery, head of advice, policy and investigations at the commission.

“More women, more disabled people and more people from an ethnic minority background should be appointed if we are to accurately reflect our community.”