13% of new TDs women - Labour best for women

Issued : Monday 28 May, 2007

A disappointing election for women, but a good day for Labour's women

The 29th Dail had 22 women TDs giving women 13% of all the 166 seats. This figure was internationally very poor placing Ireland behind countries such as Mozambique, Costa Rica or Uzbekistan. Now that the TDs for the 30th Dail have been elected, we are faced with the disappointing situation where the figure for women's representation has remained exactly the same. In 2007 Ireland has only sent 22 women to make decisions for the women in this country.

The Labour Party is the notable exception. Labour's 7 women represent 35% of our TDs. Women will continue to have a strong voice in the party. Women will be shaping Labour's policies, practices and approaches. Labour's women will make sure that women they represent are heard.

With a vibrant and strong women's section Labour's TDs, both men and women, have an army of supporters behind them. Labour Women will continue to work with the party and also with the women in the communities.

Quite clearly Labour is the party for women.