Calls for Countess Markievicz statue

Pressure is growing to add a statue of rebel leader Countess Markievicz to Dublin's O'Connell Street.Plans for the statue were put on hold in 2018 - and seven years later, the work is still on ice.Countess Markievicz was born in London but grew up in Sligo.She was elected Minister for Labour in April 1919.Social Democrats' Councillor Cat O'Driscoll this week said the city is good at putting men on giant plinths - but it's time women joined them.Musician and actress Tara Howley is currently starring in 'Dockers' - at the Ambassador Theatre - which is close to the proposed location for the statue.The production features the lack of recognition for Irish women in history - and she says it's ironic the drama on stage is being played out for real, on the street outside.