Sir, – Paul Kelly (March 27th) wonders whether women’s political interests differ from those of men. The world of paid employment has been designed by men for men. It is based on the assumption that someone else will take on the role of unpaid carer for paid workers, children and the infirm. Indeed, the entire economic model of this country is built on this same assumption.
In the main, women are prevented from playing a full part in this world of paid employment because of their care duties. So, yes, women in general have a different set of interests from men. Further, in countries where women have a real ability to influence the legislative process it is clear that legislative priorities have changed to reflect their concerns. This has only happened when a critical mass of women public representatives has been achieved through the use of gender quotas. Yours, etc,
MARIA WALSH,
St Aidan’s Drive,
Goatstown,
Dublin 14
Sir, – David Beatty (Letters, March 26th) mentions “oppressive gender roles” as one reason why women seem to avoid politics. Frankly this is a cliche. One reason many people, men as well as women, avoid politics is because of the unsocial hours and weekend working that it entails and the apparent lack of a private life. Parliaments everywhere sit into the night when legislation is being debated or when urgent issues require debate. Quotas alone are not likely to ensure that otherwise suitable persons, unhappy with these demands, may be induced to stand. One problem with quotas indeed is that they tend to generate demands for more. A good example of this was the call made a few weeks ago by the National Women’s Council for a 40 per cent representation for women at Cabinet. No mention of merit or experience. This arrogant demand apparently went unremarked by journalists. Yours, etc,
DAVID WALSH,
Rockfield,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare