Record number of female candidates in upcoming General Election – Blain

With a record number of female candidates running in the upcoming election, hopefully we are closer to a more gender balanced Dáil, a Fine Gael General Election Candidate has said.

Cllr Emma Blain, who is running in the General Election in Dublin Bay South said:

“I am delighted that with nominations now closed, there are officially more female candidates than ever running in the upcoming General Election.

“My party, Fine Gael, are also running more female candidates than we have ever before, and I am proud to be one of the 33.

“To promote female participation in politics, Fine Gael introduced gender quotas for General Elections in 2012, meaning that to retain the entirety of their State funding, political parties must now ensure at least 40% of their candidates are female.

“This has led to a clear increase in female candidates, and I am hopeful that this will lead to the most gender balanced Dáil in our history, across all parties.

“Having strong, experienced female voices, from all corners of Ireland, from all backgrounds, involved in politics, has never been so important, not only for our country and for political system, but for the young girls of Ireland who have more female role models in politics to look up to.

“Fine Gael are determined to improve outcomes for women in every aspect of life.

“Fine Gael are committed to further increasing female participation in politics, and breaking down barriers that hold women back from entering politics. We will increase maternity leave for all elected representatives and create a mentorship programme for prospective female and minority election candidates.

“As the saying goes, if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”