Women In Politics – Cork East Independent Claire Cullinane

The new buzz is all about WOMEN IN POLITICS. Some say the best thing to do is to change the times of the Daáil to facilitate more women. Others state the obvious over and over again that women only get into politics when they are young or when their families are raised. I have even had to sit and listen to the concept that it doesn’t matter what these women stand for as long as they have all the right physical attributes that can swell the numbers! Nine months ago I set myself a goal to find a better solution.

I attended many different kinds of forums and workshops but was not winning the war. So many talented, inspired and intelligent women gagged because they have to make a choice between family life or this very demanding career.  I have been involved in the empowerment of women in my work for 25 years and here I was failing in myself inflicted quest.

We want and need input from our female citizens. 86% of the Dáil is made up of male TD’s. So one would think that the best thing is to join a party and run oneself. Not a good idea if you just could not follow a party whip. Couldn’t sit on your hands or vote against not only your own conscience but also the vote of confidence you got at the polling station. Then why not join this minority group and run  as an Independent and cash in on the WOMAN vote. Good idea BUT what would you have to TRADE for that marina or road or medical card for the girls back home. What impact would you really make? Who then would you be serving? Your own ego to become a politician or the hoards of women back in your constituency who believed that you were the new massiah. These poor damsels gave you their vote, signed over their right to be active in a democratic way for 4 to 5 years in writing no.1 beside your name. Was it just because of your gender???  I have pride, honour and self respect. This could not be my way.

For an aspiring spokesperson for the petticoat republic like myself, there HAD  to be a better way. A solution that not only respects every woman’s opinion but also allows them a voice in all the major issues of the day.  Not more than men but equal. The perfect marriage of male and female thinking to create policy that is beneficial to all.

I FOUND MY ANSWER and offer it to you … The Peoples Convention Movement. It has addressed the fundamental problem of democracy for all, both men and women. It outlines a simple and easy plan ….so simple even a woman will understand!( you know I don’t mean that one) The only real subject now should be that of democracy. If we really had it, then it wouldn’t and shouldn’t matter how many PEOPLES representatives in the Dáil were male or female. Grassroots meetings, communication, debate, discussion and mandate formed at constituency level and then that mandate and no other delivered to the Dáil so that we get the true picture of what all the women AND men of Ireland want and need.

This is my reason for running as an Independent candidate who has signed the Peoples Convention contract. I ask for your support, not as a woman, but as an honest citizen who wants HER chance  to SERVE, not to play a game at the expense of others!