‘No Dáil gains for women in Cork with just Cairns elected’

There was no breakthrough in general election 2024 for women in Cork, say campaigners for increased female representation.

Just one woman was elected to the Dáil across the five Cork constituencies: Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns was re-elected in Cork South West.

Including Ms Cairns, just four female TDs were elected in Munster, the others being Sinn Fein’s Donna McGettigan, in Clare; Fianna Fáil’s’ Mary Butler, in Waterford, and her party colleague, Norma Foley, in Kerry.

In 14 of the 43 constituencies across the State no women were elected to the Dáil.

Women For Election, the organisation that campaigns for an increased female representation in politics, has said that the election results were “hard” for women across the Cork.

“Across Cork City and county, a historic 31 women ran, twice as many women as in the previous general election,” a spokesperson said. “However, just one woman, Holly Cairns, was elected across all the five Cork constituencies, with 19 men elected.

“It’s tough on those women who ran, and hard for voters in Cork and across the country, who really wanted to see more women representing them in the Dáil. It’s hard, too, for younger people, especially younger women, who’d like to become more involved in politics and representing their communities,” the spokesperson said .

Brian Sheehan, CEO of Women for Election, said that while gender balance in the Dáil is improving, it is changing “very slowly”.

“This has been a historic election for women,” Mr Sheehan said. “More women will walk through the gates of Leinster House than after any other election. Women candidates have wedged the door open, but its potential has not yet been fully realised.”

“Three women led their parties in this election, and across the country many women have topped, or come near the top, of the poll in their constituencies. 39 women have been elected as of Monday morning, with the final total expected to be 44 women TDs: 25% of all TDs.”

This is a net gain of seven female TDs compared to the outgoing Dáil, a small percentage increase from 23%.

Mr Sheehan said: “We are going in the right direction, but far too slowly. With a record number of women running, we could have expected to see more women to be elected. If we are serious about achieving equal representation for women in political life, further work is necessary.

“We need to look at structural barriers and need a detailed review of how the quota has operated in this election, including how party selection processes, including timing and access to nominations, have helped or hindered women candidates.”

The National Women’s Council (NWC) is calling on the new government to prioritise measures to increase the number of women in politics, including the introduction of gender quotas of 40% for local elections.

The NWC said that there has still been no breakthrough for women. Its director, Orla O’Connor, said: “Women make up over 50% of the population and this needs to be reflected in all political decision-making spaces.

“General Election 2024 has shown that the gender quota is successful in ensuring a record number of women candidates. However, the results show that, in isolation, the gender quota will not be enough to achieve equal representation for women.

“We are calling on all political parties to ensure women candidates are selected as early as possible to ensure they have sufficient time, support, and resources for their election campaign.”