LW reject McKenna 'privileged' jibe

Issued : Tuesday 15 September, 2009



Mary Flynn Labour Women International Officer, said: "Speaking at a recent meeting of 'Women Say No To Lisbon', Patricia McKenna described women campaigning for a YES vote as 'privileged'.



"Labour Women find this comment puzzling. How can we be seriously described as privileged when for over 30 years we have been actively working to give a voice to all women?



"We in Labour are campaigning for a Yes vote. ICTU and most of the unions are campaigning for a Yes vote. The European Women's Lobby, (the largest umbrella organisation of women's associations in the EU) is in favour of a Yes vote. Are these all bastions of privilege?



"While women have different opinions about the Lisbon Treaty, to be labelled 'privileged' if you support the Lisbon Treaty is to take the debate too far. Labour Women hopes that the Lisbon debate will remain factual and relevant.



"The NO side should not resort to these desperate attempts to distract from the actual issues."