Poll: Should there be a gender quota in general elections?

As Mary Mitchell-O’Connor hosts an all-women meeting of TDs and senators, we are asking you: Should there be a minimum quota on the number of women putting themselves forward for political election?

FINE GAEL TD Mary Mitchell-O’Connor is leading a women-only meeting this evening of TDs and senators. The meeting of the female Oireachtas members will hear suggestions on how to increase the number of women running for the Dáil and Seanad.

Last August, Mitchell-O’Connor wrote a thinkpiece for TheJournal.ie in which she outlined possible reasons for the low number of women putting themselves forward in politics. She noted that Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan had said he intends to introduce a gender quota in general elections – there will be fines for any political party that fails to make sure that at least 30 per cent of their candidates are female. The 5050 Group also wants to introduce measures to “increase the number of women on the ballot paper”.

What do you think? Should it be mandatory for at least 30 per cent of general election candidates to be women?

Poll Results:

No - there should not be a gender quota (1443)

Yes - but the proportion of women running should be even higher (161)

Yes - that sounds right (147)

I don't know (29)

Yes, there should be a quota - but it should be lower (10)

Yes - that sounds right
Yes - but the proportion of women running should be even higher
Yes, there should be a quota - but it should be lower
No - there should not be a gender quota
I don't know

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Learn More Support The Journal

Pascal Terjan via Flickr.com

The Daily Poll

Author

Susan Daly

View 112 comments

Send Tip or Correction

112 Comments

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

Mary Mitchell-O'Connor

News in 60 seconds