On International Women’s Day, the co-leaders of the Social Democrats, Róisín Shortall TD and Catherine Murphy TD, have raised the need for more women to be involved in politics and urged people to support the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment.
Deputy Shortall said:
“International Women’s Day is an important occasion to celebrate women’s many achievements in different walks of life. This year is the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote – and since then in national politics we have seen many successful female political leaders and two female presidents.
“At Dáil level, there are currently 35 women TDs and while that’s the highest number to date, it still amounts to only only 22 per cent of the 158 members of Dáil Eireann. That’s far off the 50-50 balance that we should be aiming to achieve in terms of democratic representation.
“The Social Democrats want to see more women in the Dáil and also in local council chambers because it’s vital that we see a balance that reflects the general population. As a party with many women members and candidates, the Social Democrats will continue to push for improvements that will encourage more women to get involved in politics. We are very proud of the fact that our own party is attracting so many fine women who will contest the next general election and local authority elections.
Deputy Catherine Murphy said it was significant that this year’s International Women’s Day is taking place at time when the country is preparing for an historic referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the constitution.
Deputy Murphy said:
“As a member of the Oireachtas committee whose work has formed the basis for proposed legislation to introduce abortion in Ireland, I very much welcome the fact that this week’s clear ruling by the Supreme Court paves the way for the Oireachtas to debate the wording of the proposed referendum. The Social Democrats will campaign vigorously for the passage of the referendum which directly affects the lives of so many women in this country.”
ENDS
8 March 2018