GUEST COLUMN: Number of women ministers in Cabinet disappointing

In a shocking and disappointing development, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, in the formation of the new government, have reduced the number of women ministers in cabinet from the outgoing government.

Just three women have been appointed as senior ministers to the 15-member government [the full 19-member cabinet also includes four super junior ministers, only one of which is a woman – Hildegarde Naughton]. There were four women senior ministers in the outgoing government. Two women from Fine Gael have been appointed, the same as the outgoing government, and one from Fianna Fáil, a reduction of one. 

The Taoiseach, in forming the new government, had the opportunity to bring a record number of women into government. However, in an affront to gender equality in politics, he has chosen instead to reduce the number of women ministers compared to the last government.

It is perplexing that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste would reject the opportunity in forming the Cabinet to ensure that women’s expertise and lived experience are equally represented at the heart of government decision-making. 

This decline in women’s representation is concerning. Women’s perspectives are critical to shaping policies that reflect the realities of our society and economy, and their exclusion diminishes the strength of this cabinet.

We at Women for Election of course congratulate the three women who are joining the Cabinet, one of whom is joining the Cabinet for the first time, and we wish them well as they lead out government policy in their respective areas. 

It is interesting to note that just 22 women have ever served in cabinet since the foundation of the State, while 213 men have served in the same period. It took 60 years from the appointment of the first women to Cabinet, Constance Markievicz in 1919, to the second, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn in 1979. There has never been a woman Taoiseach, Minister for Finance or Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

How long will Ireland have to wait for women to have an equal say in the governing of Ireland? When will we resolve our ‘unfinished democracy’? 

Aldagh McDonogh is chair of Women for Election