Sir, During the forthcoming election it is imperative that all political parties ensure that their women candidates are visible and heard in the media. At present only 14 per cent of Dail deputies are women - our aim is to double this. Women's Political Association was established in 1971 to improve standards in public life by encouraging and promoting women in politics.
Let us not forget that it took a woman Minister - Eithne Fitzgerald to move both the Freedom of Information Act and the Ethics in Public Office Act. Both these acts if implemented in time would have prevented the callous treatment of the women infected by hepatitis caused by contaminated blood and the Ethics Act would have prevented the costly tribunals which Irish taxpayers (male and female) are forced to pay.
The promises made to women and their families by the Irish Government during the Beijing Conference have not moved forward. The 12 point Platform for Action on Women's Rights needs to be implemented forthwith. From the foregoing it is blatantly obvious that Ireland needs a Ministry for Women's Affairs. Yours, etc.,
President of Women's Political Association,
Fort field Heights,
Dublin 5