Online abuse putting women off political careers

Vilification on social media and the demands of the role of a mother are just some of the reasons behind there is no female candidates contesting Fine Gael’s selection convention in Sligo-Leitrim. The party have previously championed the fact they elected more female councillors than any other Irish political party in the recent local elections. However, with an impending general election, sitting TD Frank Feighan, Councillor Thomas Walsh and former Minister of State John Perry look set to be the only names going for convention on Sunday, September 1st. Former Sligo Councillor Sinéad Maguire, who was set to contest the 2020 General Election before stepping aside, acknowledges there is work being done but there is far more than what meets the eye.