Joan Burton TD launches Mentoring Programme
Issued : Monday 10 November, 2008
Joan Burton TD launches LW's Mentoring Programme which is designed to assist new women candidates. Joan Burton has been a strong supporter of women candidates and is an example of a woman whose political voice continues to inspire women.
JOAN BURTON TD LAUNCHES LABOUR WOMEN ELECTION MENTORING PROGRAMME
Speaking at the launch of the Labour Women Election Mentoring Programme today, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Joan Burton T.D. said, "As we approach the 90th anniversary of the 1st Dáil, the number of women elected at local and Dáil level remains disappointingly small.
"The Labour Party, with one third of its PLP being women, has the highest proportion of all political parties but we are not resting on our laurels. As deputy leader, I am leading a drive that will hopefully see many more women elected to represent Labour at the 2009 local elections.
"The Labour Party is getting existing women TDs and councillors to mentor new women candidates in the hope that they can draw on this experience and get elected themselves in due course.
"Unfortunately, the glass ceiling is all too real for a great many women trying to break into politics. This initiative is intended to help women shatter that ceiling.
