“We cannot be complacent about equality," hears See Her Elected seminar

The importance of gender equality in politics was to the fore at the recent seminar to promote the need for more women in politics in the north west. 

‘What Would You Do to See Her Elected’ took place last Friday in the Central Hotel, Donegal Town.

It heard from women already involved in politics, as well as those who are involved in campaigns and gender equality in wider society.

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Donegal, Cllr Niamh Kennedy recalled how a gentleman came into her workplace almost a decade ago and suggested that she run for Donegal County Council. It wasn’t something she had previously considered, and she was a little taken aback at first.

However, she reflected on the matter, and it was again suggested to her by a second man.

“I thought, it is time for me to do what I am passionate about,” she said.

A major decision for anyone entering politics is whether to join a party or remain independent. Despite having a family association with Fine Gael, in particular through her grandmother, Cllr Kennedy opted to remain independent.

This is a decision which she still stands over with no regrets, and she certainly does not feel at a disadvantage as an independent voice in Donegal County Council.

“I love the independence,” she said.

“We have nine independents in Donegal County Council. We are not all the same but we all get along and we work well together.” 

Cllr Kennedy feels that an important aspect of her independence is the freedom it gives her when it comes to voting in council.

“My own conscience tells me what way to vote,” she said. “I never have to abstain from a vote.”

Community Grounding

In terms of being prepared for the role, Cllr Kennedy has no doubt that her time on the Killybegs Parish Council and her involvement with community groups such as the Tidy Towns gave her a great grounding. In particular, it ensured that she was very well informed about local issues. 

The councillor shared how, when she was elected, like anyone in a new situation, she was naturally a little nervous attending a council meeting for the first time. But she quickly realised that she was far from alone in being a newly elected councillor and she soon settled into the role.

One thing that really drove home the gender imbalance on that first day in council chambers was when she asked where the ladies toilets were.

“There only seemed to be gents,” she said. “The ladies were actually upstairs, away from the chamber.”

Cllr Kennedy believes that women certainly have a lot to offer in local politics, particularly given that many women are involved in community groups and committees all over the county. As with her own background, this gives them a great insight into the needs of their community, which is right at the heart of local politics.

The councillor stressed that this was also hugely important for men who were thinking about running for office.

'Community is everything' - Cllr Niamh Kennedy on women in local politics

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD was taking part in the SHE See Her Elected conference

Party Background

In contrast to Cllr Kennedy, former Tanaiste Mary Coughlan (FF), who also addressed the conference, came from a strong background in party politics. 

Growing up in such a politically engaged family certainly had a huge impact on Ms Coughlan’s decision to go into politics and the very young age of 21. 

“I hate the word ‘dynasty’ because it gives a connotation that is not true,” she said.

“I would say that I come from a family that is interested in politics. My father died when I did my finals at university. I was very interested in politics. University politics was great.”

She believes this family background gives TDs and councillors a realistic sense of what is involved, and it also means that their families are aware of how much support they need. 

She expressed concern that a lack of respect and the vitriol of social media would put people off entering politics nowadays.

“At the end of the day, you are out there doing your best,” she said. 

“I’ve heard it said that you are only in it for yourself, but that is not the case. The people who go into politics do so because they are passionate about it. They want to make things better.

“You give a lot more than you gain.”

And while a career in politics involves dedication and sacrifice, Ms Coughlan said the rewards were in knowing that you were making a difference.

“It is really great when you get to ring up a community group to say they got funding, or a school principal to say they are getting their long awaited extension,” she said.

Watch: Mary Coughlan on how a career in politics is challenging but rewarding

The former Tanaiste was a guest at the SHE See Her Elected conference in Donegal Town

Juggling family life and politics

Senator Eileen Flynn spoke about her sense of guilt as she tried to juggle being a new mother with political life. She called for support from parties to ensure that more women had a place in the political arena.

The independent senator encouraged women to have the confidence to put themselves forward.

“Sometimes the barriers we have are in our own heads,” said Senator Flynn. “We need to squeeze ourselves into the spaces where we’re not expected to be.”

Attendees heard from other speakers including Dr Edel McSharry who shared her experience and knowledge on campaign management. She stressed the importance of having a team with a range of skills, and of putting plans in place a year before the election. 

Changing Perception

Senior Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Dr Jacqueline O'Toole, said that society would benefit from tapping into the skillset of women who were active in their communities. 

She said that the perception of women’s primary role as being carers in the home was deeply rooted, not only in wider society but in women themselves. This in turn had a huge impact on the decisions women made, but it needed women to come forward and be part of changing perceptions.

“The changes that are needed to get more women into politics start with getting more women into politics,” she said. 

Nóirín Clancy of 50/50 North West spoke about the importance of not being complacent about equality.

She said: “After the 2019 local elections, women hold just 26% of council seats and the figures are particularly stark in rural Ireland. For example, there are only four female councillors out of 37 in a large county like Donegal while Leitrim and Sligo both have just three women out of 18 councillors.

“We want to see those numbers increase for the Local Elections 2024.

“When women are not there at the table, we don’t get to share in those decisions so we need to be there.

“We cannot be complacent about equality.”

A guide to running in the 2024 elections is available in booklet form from the See Her Elected (SHE) campaign. Further information on the campaign can be found at www.seeherelected.ie

Anyone who  would like to find out more can also email info@seeherelected.ie or can call 086 0320455.