(Fine Gael Cllr Hughie McElvaney of Monaghan Council with Miriam O’Callaghan at The Local Authority Members Association Awards this year)
It can happen to the best of them.
The Local Authority Members’ Association [LAMA] met last week to debate reform of local government and how to attract female candidates to become public representatives.
When this happened.
Councillor Hughie McElvaney: “Deputy Noel Coonan asked what was the biggest change we would like to see introduced. I would like to see an extension of the period between one election and another. Five years is far too short. On the overall issue of reform mentioned by Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, the office of the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, was wielding an axe against town councils and we all took cover in case we would all be wiped off the face of the earth, so to speak. If reform is required, we certainly have suffered as local public representatives. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy spoke about female participation in local government. LAMA would not be the right authority to encourage women to become involved in politics because we are all public representatives and one never knows who is coming up the back way, particularly a good-looking lady who might take one’s seat. I will not be hypocritical and say we should take it on board.”
…Deputy Catherine Murphy: “At least Mr. McElvaney is being honest in not encouraging women to become involved in politics. However, I do not agree with him. We need diversity in councils to bring new ideas and so on. Female participation in politics is to be encouraged and it is disappointing to hear it is not being encouraged by Mr. McElvaney’s organisation…”
LAMA debate, November 7 (Oireachtas)
Pic Lama.ie
Thanks Nuala
