Every organisation in Ireland is facing serious cuts. Once again the women's sector and women are primary targets of these cuts. If we are to protect women we need to overhaul our democracy. We need to elect more women, more progressive voices - we need your urgent help to achieve that.

Women make up half of this country's population and this should be reflected in the Dáil's composition.

Ireland is the 3rd worst offender in Europe when it comes to women's representation. 85% of Dáil members are men. Globally, we trail behind Pakistan and Sudan for the numbers of women in the Dáil. We ought to be ashamed.

In the next few weeks Minister Phil Hogan will publish a long overdue bill proposing the introduction of gender targets (for political party candidates) of 30% women and 30% men at the next general election. However, local elections are completely ignored in the Bill.

Local politics is crucial. It is a place for influencing local policy; it is also the platform to launch a political career. If we want real political reform then the local elections must be included in this Bill.

Tell Ministers Hogan and Lynch: don't exclude local women and local politics.