Women in politics represent a "substantial proportion" of society yet we are not equally represented in local council chambers or our national parliament. That's the view of Monaghan councillor, Aoife McCooey who believes this is an issue which needs to be "seriously addressed".
Speaking in relation to International Women's Day, the Fianna Fail representative said it's on days like today, that there is a moment to reflect and look at where the country is, and where it needs to go. As a result, the gender of councillors was "inverted" across council's in both Cavan and Monaghan this afternoon to highlight the stark difference between women in politics and their male counterparts at local level.
According to Cllr McCooey, this highlighted the lack of females in political position and how there is an "opportunity" to change this in the next election. "It's just to really show the stark difference that there is.
And, I think that we have all become so desensitised to the lack of females in these roles that it becomes the norm. However, when it is split - like it is today - I believe that it will have real impact and show where we are lacking.
"To have only two women out of 18 councillors on Monaghan County Council is not a great indictment of our county. And, I hope that we can open up more opportunities for women at the next election," she said.
