28 pioneering women feature in new book

Fine Gael has published a new book in time for International Women’s Day called, “Proud to Serve: The Voices of the Women of Cumann na nGaedheal and Fine Gael 1922-1992”.

The book, written by Martina Murray and Maria Hegarty, will be launched by An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar at an online event on Tuesday, 9^th of March at 7.30pm. People can register for this free event here: https://www.finegael.ie/book and the book is also available at this link.

The event, which will be hosted by the Fine Gael Women’s Network will include a discussion moderated by Cllr Yemi Adenuga and will feature notable female politicians: Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD; MEP for Dublin and former Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald; and former Fine Gael Deputy Leader and Minister for Justice Nora Owen.

The book commemorates the women who were involved in Fine Gael and Cumann na nGaedheal from 1922 to 1992.

Speaking ahead of the event, Minister Helen McEntee said: “This book fills a glaring gap in the history of politics in Ireland. Women have been involved in political parties since the foundation of the State, yet very little is known about female politicians and their achievements.”

Former Minister Frances Fitzgerald said: “For too long, the work of women who sought political office in Ireland, and won, has been ignored. Women don’t feature in public discourse very much, or indeed in our history books. ‘Proud To Serve’ remedies that by hearing directly the voices of the women and of course, through their contributions in the Dáil, Seanad and European Parliament.

“Hearing the voices in the book, it becomes even clearer how challenging it was to be involved,  but also the achievements of this group of women.  The book also sheds light into some fascinating stories on what they had to contend with during their time in public life.”

Former Minister, Nora Owen said: “This book gives voice to the experiences of an extraordinary group of women, each of whom served in Irish politics, at a time when women’s participation in public life was particularly challenging. In fact, most of the time it was actively discouraged.

“For me, the book was inspiring. The women who went before me were political savvy women. They were smart, they were funny, they were brave, they were impressive. They were also pioneering. They laid the foundations and carved out the space for women to join politics.”

Minister McEntee concluded: “Proud to Serve gives us an insight into the views of the women who went before us, including in relation to the future for women’s involvement in politics in Ireland. If you are a woman who is interested in politics, you can make a difference. Get in touch and join us to make your contribution. There’s so much more that we can do.

“The fact is, we need more women to run for election so that we can build on the legacies of these women and achieve equality.”

ENDS

Note to Editors

“Proud to Serve: The Voices of the Women of Cumann na nGaedheal and Fine Gael 1922-1992” is written by Martina Murray and Maria Hegarty:

• • Maria Hegarty is a researcher, diversity and inclusion expert and equality campaigner. She studied Business, Economics and Social Studies at Trinity College Dublin and is the Founder of Equality Strategies Ltd and Diversity Charter Ireland.
  • Martina Murray is a writer and historian with a particular interest in campaigns around social change. She studied English and History at Trinity College Dublin and currently works as a freelance writer and web editor.

Launch event

• The book will be launched by An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar at an online event on Tuesday, 9^th of March at 7.30pm. People can register for this free event here: https://www.finegael.ie/book
• The webinar will include a discussion moderated by Cllr Yemi Adenuga and featuring notable female politicians: Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD; MEP for Dublin and former Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald; and former Fine Gael Deputy Leader and Minister for Justice Nora Owen.