Astonishing underrepresentation of women and Connacht-Ulster in Micheál Martin’s government – Mairéad Farrell TD
23 January 2025
Sinn Féin TD for Galway West, Mairéad Farrell, has described as astonishing the glaring underrepresentation of women in Micheál Martin’s new cabinet.
She also criticised the regional imbalance, with just one Minister from all of Connacht-Ulster, and no minister from the border counties.
Teachta Farrell said:
“After an election which saw a record number of women candidates and a record number of women elected, I am flabbergasted that the new Taoiseach has consigned women to play a secondary role in government.
“The Taoiseach has delivered a cabinet that is male, pale and stale, and the underrepresentation of women raises serious concerns regarding this government’s commitment to addressing issues such as women’s health, domestic violence and childcare.
“There is also once again a lack of regional balance.
“Of the 15 senior ministers, 11 are from Dublin and Leinster, just one from Connacht/Ulster, and none from the border region.
“Politics should strive to reflect and mirror the communities we represent. Micheál Martin’s new government has failed its first test.”
