Women For Election - In Conversation With…

Political correspondent for the Irish Times Jennifer Bray interviews Co-leader of the Social Democrats Catherine Murphy for this episode of our In Conversation with series.

The 9th female Lord Mayor of Dublin (out of 352), spoke to broadcaster, journalist and Women on Air founder, Margaret E. Ward.

Lord Mayor Chu topped the polls in the 2019 Local Elections with over 4000 first preference votes, and was elected the chair of Green Party the same year. She has run a number of election campaigns and shared her insights and experience, as well as discussing structural changes needed to ensure more diversity in Irish Politics.

Frances Fitzgerald, MEP, speaks to WfE Chair Alison Cowzer about the importance of more women taking a seat at the decision making table and the difference this makes to policy. Frances speaks about her experience of working in the houses of the Oireachtas in comparison to the European Parliament.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin sets out his vision to achieve 50/50 representation of women and men in Irish national politics by 2030. He outlines his aspiration for women in Irish politics during a special Women for Election “In Conversation with” event to mark International Women’s Day 2021. An Taoiseach was in conversation with guest MC Dearbhail McDonald, author and broadcaster.

This production was supported by Fuel.

Irish Time political correspondent Jennifer Bray hosts a riveting conversation with Deputy Holly Cairns, the only female TD from the Cork constituency. Deputy Cairns has been a defender and champion of issues facing women since taking her seat in the Dáil last year. 

Maria discusses the role WfE training had in her decision to choose to run. Maria and Margaret discuss the importance of community activism and the part it played in Maria’s political journey.  

Clare Daly joins Alison O’Connor for a discussion on the importance of activism and her political journey from her car while travelling to Bulgaria to attend a demonstration. She discusses the issues currently facing the people of Bulgaria and her role as an MEP in this. 

Senator Bacik discusses starting her political career in Trinity by becoming involved in student politics. We hear about her facing disappointment in her first two attempts to run for the Seanad. Senator Bacik and Jennifer talk about the importance of mentorship and her involvement in Ireland’s historical social campaigns. 

A proud WfE alum, Minister Catherine Martin speaks about being the first woman to address Westminster as gaeilge and leading the Irish Women's Parliamentary Caucus. She tells Dearbhail McDonald why we need #MoreWomen at the decision table and the challenges that are currently facing elected reps such as maternity leave. 

Senator Lynn Ruane chats to journalist, Alison O'Connor, about her work as a Senator, class oppression, privilege, resilience and the need to address structural inequality.