A local councillor is calling on all political parties to encourage and support women into politics. Cllr Sinead Flynn who is also chairperson of the Monaghan Women's Assembly took part in a regional seminar entitled 'Women beyond the Dáil' on Monday. During the local elections back In June 2024, 247 women were elected which only represents 26 percent of the total councillors. Three out of 18 were elected in Co Monaghan. In the general election, 44 women were elected to the Dail and this was out of 174 seats, representing only 25 percent overall.
Cllr Flynn says there's a "pressure" to balance political life along with societal expectations around family and caregiving which can discourage many from stepping forward. Speaking to Northern Sound, she believes we must overcome these barriers both at local and national level: "Women may self-doubt their capabilities and the fear of online or verbal abuse may deter women from going into politics, however women's voices must be heard at every level of government, from council chambers to the Dáil. Representation isn't just about numbers-it's about shaping policies that reflect the realities of all communities. To achieve real change, we need to break down barriers, support women in politics, and ensure that leadership is truly inclusive."
