LW at Party Conference

Issued : Sunday 29 March, 2009

Labour Women started to arrive in Mullingar on Friday as suitcases were pulled in and delegates wondered around the hotel getting familiar with the lay-out. "It's hard work getting here for Friday, it was like arranging D-day all over again", quipped one woman from Cork whose family had to do without her for the weekend. "It's my break!"

Angela Timlin (left) from Dun Laoghaire and Cllr Mary Freehill from Pembroke-Rathmines area

The highlight for Labour Women was LW Lunch. Women met old friends, many of whom have been through countless conferences. "Labour conferences are a bit like a party where you know you like everyone", said a delegate from Wexford. "And you know you can talk about things you find interesting without others thinking you are a bore." Newer members were soaking up the chat in between the sips of coffee. "I am involved in the local campaign down in Tipperary, I have been a member for a couple of years now but it's my first time at Labour Women Lunch. I'll come next year again!"

Pamela Kearns from Templeogue running in Tallaght Central area chatting with delegates

LW Workshop was Local Elected oriented. The workshop on media was run by our professional consultant who outlined the key issues in getting publicity. "I think you always learn something new", said Cllr Caitriona Jones who is running in Lucan CoDublin. "I am a Councillor, but just to meet other women and hear tips from them is useful." New candidates had questions about press releases and radio interviews. "I have been involved in many local issues, but it is different when you need to put it into words and turn your activity into a press release", said Bernie Courtney who is running in Castlebar Co Mayo.

LW workshop with candidates and election teams

This year LW put forward a motion which highlights the little thought-of aspect of the economic downturn : how exactly is the downturn affecting women. "Gender mainstreaming is a principle which has been adopted in Europe, and which should be the practice here. The Government is obliged to carry out what is called a gender audit, in other words look at how exactly policies and actions affect women. If, for example, those on low pay are targeted in the budget how will it affect women, who dominate the lower-paid pay bracket? The vast majority of lone parents are women, and many may not be able to work if the budget hits them because they won't be able to pay for their childcare. Or if the budget for public transport if cut how will this affect women who are less likely to have a driving licence or access to a car than men are? We should know how women are impacted", said Sinead Ni Chulachain LW Chair.

Grainne Kilmurry from Balbriggan is Labour's candidate and spoke on the motion. "I have worked in health care for 17 years. I see the effects of the downturn in the older people and disabled people who I work with. Women live longer than men and will be affected by actions that target the older people", she said. Local Election candidate Sinead Seery from Whitehall-Artane seconded the motion. "Economic downturns always hit the women. I met a woman in Northside Shopping Centre who is a carer working a few hours a week. She has to monitor her hours yet she is saving the state money by caring for her mother", she said.

LW Stand displaying literature carried leaflets about LW's current campaign on 'Parity Democracy'. Eileen Drew, Labour's candidate in Navan, was carrying some leaflets under her arm. "I work with students, many of whom don't perhaps realise how under-represented women are in decision-making. This campaign hammers home the fact that no, women are not present when decision are made and yet women should be there", she said.