'I think women are less prone to bring their personal ego to the board meeting than men do," says Fine Gael councillor Anne Devitt.

She is one of only two female cathaoirleach on the 24 county and city development boards in Ireland."Some men need to put their own stamp on an issue, and have difficulty separating themselves from the organisation they represent, whereas, in my experience, women can have an ability to look for the best outcome.

Aged 52, Devitt has worked as teacher and solicitor, still practises law, and has completed a Masters degree in economics and European affairs. She has been vice chair of Dublin County Council, chair of Fingal County Council, was the first chair of the new Northern Area Health Board and is currently chair of the Fingal Development Board and the Council's Planning & Development Committee.

She describes herself as lucky to benefit both from free education and the women's movement. "I was not part of the bra-burning era, but came through in the after-flow, when everything seemed possible. I was also aware of my own abilities and felt 'I can do this'. As chairwoman of the Fingal Development Board I bring a great ability to listen and to focus on what we are trying to achieve. I would spend time preparing before each meeting to know the issues. I would seek to arrive at a consensus and if there is conflict, it is sometimes a good idea to park it while we look at what we do agree on. This can build up trust. I also let people speak even if they may be going on for a bit, because I think it is important that all voices are heard. I believe I am very fair.

Women are good at conflict resolution, we do it at home all the time with the children, we listen and then try to pull it all together.

"My advice on managing home and career? Choose a terrific mother-in-law! Your support system is very important, and there was guilt sometimes at leaving them, but all my children have grown up to be very independent and have benefited from my not being there all the time."