A record number of women candidates are running in June’s local elections.
Nominations closed last weekend and, according to data compiled by Dr Adrian Kavanagh of Maynooth University, there are 618 women contesting seats, out of 2,168 candidates.
Women for Election said the record numbers have been achieved, despite fears of a “chilling effect” from social media abuse which it said could act as a deterrent to women running for public office.
The organisation has said Ireland ranks 103rd in the world for women’s representation in national politics and ranks sixth lowest in the EU for the number of women in local politics.
“Even though women make up 50% of the population, just 25% of councillors are women,” said CEO of Women for Election, Brian Sheehan.
“On 7 June, voters across the country have the chance to change the face of Irish politics and ensure there are more women at the decision-making tables that impact on voters and on their local communities. More women in politics makes politics work better for everyone,” he said.
Women for Election – in partnership with the All Island Research Observatory (AIRO) based in Maynooth University – has developed the Data Hub, a research resource showing historical information for every Local Electoral Area (LEA) and an interactive map showing women candidates in every LEA.
