THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of the National Women’s Council of Ireland has resigned, accusing the Government of showing “scant regard” for women’s rights.
Susan McKay said “drastic” cuts of 35 per cent to the organisation’s funding in the last Budget had made it impossible for her to do her job properly.
She stepped down following a meeting with Minister for Justice Alan Shatter nine days ago, at which she said he ruled out any reduction of the Budget cuts. Last night McKay said:
It is my personal view that the Government has shown scant regard for women’s rights and my resignation is a personal protest against this indifference. I wish the NWCI well in these difficult times.
She added: “The scale of this cut makes it impossible for me to do my job properly as Chief Executive of a national organisation striving to bring about equality for women.”
The chair of the NWCI, Clare Treacy, said the board had accepted McKay’s resignation from the post she had held since 2009 “with much regret”. She added:
On behalf of the Board and staff of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, I thank Susan for her drive in promoting the rights of women, her leadership in stimulating legislative change and vigorous work tackling inequality and discrimination against women in Ireland.
Just over a week ago, McKay – a former award-winning reporter for the Sunday Tribune – declined to attend a high-profile seminar on How To Elect More Women, in protest at the cut to her organisation’s funding.
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