Are gender quotas the way forward for Irish politics?

Eyebrows were raised when it recently emerged that the BBC was to ban all-male panels on popular shows such as 'QI', 'Mock the Week' and 'Have I Got News For You'. Top brass at the broadcaster ruled that future shows would have to feature at least one woman. 

Political correctness gone mad, tokenism or a step forward for gender equality in the male dominated world of television? It depends on your viewpoint really. There are some incredibly talented female comedians in the entertainment business although it is still an area dominated by men. A bit like politics.

Fianna Fail's European candidate for Dublin has now called on the Government to show a real commitment to gender equality in Irish politics by dedicating 50 per cent of seats in the upcoming local elections on May 23 to females. 

Mary Fitzpatrick, a Dublin city councillor since 2004, knows well what it's like to be a female candidate in a testosterone-fuelled business like politics. She famously took on the might of the so-called Drumcondra mafia to stand in the 2007 general election, losing out to Cyprian Brady on transfers from Bertie Ahern.

•Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick pictured with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin after being announced as the party’s Dublin candidate for the European Elections. PHOTO: CONOR McCABE PHOTOGRAPHY

She has been an active and effective public representative on Dublin City Council - not because she's a woman but because she's a hardworking, honest and able politician. As Fianna Fail seeks to rebuild its damaged brand, she is a sensible choice for their European Election campaign.

In the next general election at least 30 per cent of the candidates will have to be female. Cllr Fitzpatrick describes this requirement as "a conjuring exercise". She believes real gender equality can only be delivered if it is first introduced at local authority level and applied to seats - not just names on electoral tickets. 

"In reality we have a de facto male monopoly in Irish politics at present," Cllr Fitzpatrick says. "Less than 16 per cent of our elected representatives in the Oireachtas are female. Women represent 52 per cent of the population but make up just 15 per cent of elected representatives."

Cllr Fitzpatrick points out that Ireland is currently ranked 89^th in the world for female political participation. She is concerned that political parties and groups will find a way around the 30 per cent female quota in the next general election and will select candidates in areas where they know they have little chance of winning a seat. So rather than bringing about any seismic change in gender equality, she feels that the Government's quota system may only make a bad situation worse. That's why she wants 50 per cent of seats in the upcoming local elections dedicated to women.

While there is some merit to her proposal, I am not completely convinced that it is the way forward. In a democracy we are entitled to vote for the candidates who we feel will best represent our interests. They get our votes based on an expectation that they will be effective public representatives - not on the basis of their gender.

We certainly need to make it easier for women to participate in politics. I would favour a system, for example, that requires a 50/50 gender split in terms of candidates selected to run for all local and general elections. This would give the electorate a clear choice in who they want to vote for and would undoubtedly increase the numbers of women councillors or TDs.

In addition, I believe there should be an equal gender split in terms of ministerial appointments. I don't accept the argument that ministerial portfolios should be solely based on experience - just look at some of the clowns that have sat around the cabinet table over the past number of decades.

Mary Fitzpatrick's proposal is a welcome contribution to the debate on gender equality in politics. But like the BBC's rule on women panelists on its shows, is it a step too far?