Preparing for March election

Madam, – The under-representation of women in the assemblies of most democracies in the world supports Angelina Cox’s contention…

Madam, – The under-representation of women in the assemblies of most democracies in the world supports Angelina Cox’s contention that “unless effective affirmative action, such as gender quotas, are adopted through legislation, women will continue to be inadequately represented in politics” (January 21st).

The problem is that such affirmative action is unlikely to be enacted this side of a March election. All is not lost, however. If women, who are a majority in the electorate, voted for the few women who got through the selection system it would not alone increase the proportion of women in the Dáil, it would increase the incentive for political parties to select women candidates in future.

After all, a Dáil comprising 87 per cent men has not exactly covered itself in glory. – Yours, etc,

ANTHONY LEAVY,

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Shielmartin Drive,

Sutton,

Dublin 13.

A chara, – I am an MA student in Belgium, studying political science. This evening over dinner in our student canteen, I explained to three of my classmates that an election had just been called, but that I will not be able to vote by post or at the Irish Embassy. They were horrified at Ireland’s lack of provision for its citizens. One was from France, another from Georgia and the other from Uzbekistan. – Is mise,

NIGEL SMITH,

College of Europe,

Sint Jorisstraat,

Bruges, Belgium.

Madam, – Fianna Fáil TD Mary O’Rourke proposes that party canvassers should be equipped with a “catechism” to help them deal them with answers to questions from voters on doorsteps. Given that the Soldiers of Destiny don’t stand a prayer in the general election, perhaps a Bible might serve more use. – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL CULLEN,

Albert Park,

Sandycove, Co Dublin.

Madam, – Watching the events in Dáil Éireann over the past three months has been like watching a real life production of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. With our forefathers having fought to get rid of the evil farmer from our shores in 1922, the pigs then taking control, well intentioned disciplined statesmen and women, but then, not a century later, the expense scandals, political strokes, planning bribes, feather nesting of financial packages for early ministerial retirement, etc. Meanwhile we, the mere farmyard animals, are left clinging for financial survival, worse than we ever were. – Shame on you all. – Yours, etc,

BRIAN COONEY,

Alma Road,

Monkstown,

Co Dublin.