GE2024... ‘Gender balance in the Dáil is essential’ - Balfe

Meath East general election candidate Eilish Balfe is calling for greater equality in politics.

The Labour candidate has run the local community early service in Ratoath for eight Years and is an activist for Siptu supporting 'A New Deal' for the early years sector.

Balfe is passionate about quality in politics saying that it is a "shocking" fact that only one of the six Meath TDs is a woman.

The Ratoath resident contested the local elections for the first time in 2024 and missed election by 15 votes. Undeterred, she has thrown her hat in the ring again, this time for the General Election.

"In Meath West, all three representatives are men, while Meath East fares little better with just one woman out of three TDs," said Balfe.

Speaking at a Women for Election event to promote women candidates, Balfe said "This glaring imbalance means that half the population of Meath is effectively under-represented in our national parliament."

"Gender balance is not just some ‘woke’ idea. It’s a practical necessity for women if their ideas and concerns are going to be listened to and acted on’, she said.

"Gender balance in the Dáil is essential because women make up half the population, yet their voices are underrepresented in political decision-making." added Balfe.

A balanced Dáil ensures policies reflect the needs and perspectives of all citizens, not just half according to the Labour candidate who said:

" Women bring unique experiences and insights to the table, particularly on issues such as childcare, healthcare, education, and social equality. Gender-balanced leadership results in more inclusive, effective policymaking.

"Not only that, a more gender-balanced Dáil will inspires young women and girls to see politics as a space where they belong and can lead. Women in positions of power can be extremely positive role models.

‘"Structural inequalities such as gaps in areas like pay, parental leave, and access to affordable childcare highlight the need for more women in leadership roles to push for solutions."