NWCI Survey of Female Local and European Election Candidates - June 2009

The objective of the survey was to ascertain women's experiences of the election process and to collect anecdotal evidence of those experiences. The results came from all across the country.

The survey took a sample of 90 respondents, across all political parties and independents, who stood in the local elections in Ireland in June 2009.

Key findings:

  • 81.4% of respondents believe in the notion of 'critical mass' for women (ie: having at least 40% of representatives female), with the majority believing in a quota system to redress the imbalance.
  • 47% said that the current political system makes it very difficult to reconcile family & political life.
  • A quarter of respondents felt that it was difficult for women to put themselves forward for election and highlighted a lack of confidence, coupled with a lack of party support as a barrier to women's participation.
  • 48% of respondents said that they had initially got involved in politics because of a desire to change society.
  • 54% of respondents had other family members involved in politics before them.
  • 35% of respondents were in the '30s' age bracket, with 31.4% in the '40s' bracket and 12% in the '20s'
  • 53% of respondents felt that women receive far more comments on their physical appearance than men.

Some of the comments received from the respondents:

'Negative comments from women [like] 'politics is no place for a woman' and 'isn't your husband great to be allowing you to do this', to 'don't forget to make time for your children and don't neglect you family' really annoyed me. At the first council meeting, I was referred to as the 'new girl'. And one elderly man on the doorstep said he would vote for me because 'you would be handy for cooking them dinner in the council' - he didn't intend to be rude, but that was his truth'

'As I was on the ticket with a male, I was mostly ignored at the doors, unless I happened to be on my own - even when male party members were canvassing with me, the public tended to speak to them, not me.'

'Some women commented that as a young woman, I should be happy to be married and have children, not get into politics'

'I stay in it (politics) because I want to continue making a difference in my area and to influence policy within a larger party, but it is frustrating!'

'Women found it encouraging seeing a young female candidate seeking re-election'

'Intimidation and bully tactics are still a very prevalent part of party politics. While existing female councillors are tolerated, obstacles and barriers are put in place to prevent further new female candidates from entering politics'

'[There is a] Paternalistic attitude within the political party. Assumptions made that I am in more need of advice because I am a woman. Mostly among older men. Men in their 20s and 30s treat women equally on the whole'