Politics needs women

THE failure to generate new enthusiasm for Fine Gael looks like it will have a grave impact on the party’s women TDs. There is a growing worry that many will lose their seats at the next general election.

It is the ultimate conclusion of the failure by Fine Gael, and other parties, to entice women into politics and then plan career paths for them. There are huge barriers to entry for women.

Women surely would be more attracted to a parliament that sat during normal business hours. Above all, though, there needs to be change at the very top and the very bottom, with party leaders promoting women more often and earlier in their political lives, and grassroots organisations being compelled actively to support the able women who do run for election.