THE importance of women getting involved in politics was highlighted by Cllr Orla McLoughlin, at the Labour Women (Labour Party women’s section) Regional Meeting in Limerick. “I meet women daily who should be involved in politics. Most women in politics start out by wanting to improve the lives of the people in our community. Typically they are interested in things like their children’s education, safety of the city or the well-being of their communities. They have strong views and often come up with good ideas for our community.
Women think about solutions, but unfortunately do not think about getting into politics where they could put their solutions forward”.
Labour Women Regional meeting discussed various ideas such as ways to save public money by tackling the rents paid by state bodies, developing Limerick Port and creating a tax band for high earners.
The social impact of cuts, it was said, will hit harder in the future unless women actively intervene early to help families.
Suggestions for politicians to job share and to be able to have a maternity leave would give women better work-life balance.
The legislation which will oblige political parties to put forward 30% women candidates in the next Dáil has been welcomed by Labour Women who has campaigned for this measure for many years.
