The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has strongly insisted that his next cabinet will be split equally in terms of gender, if re-elected.
Mr Kenny believes that women should be more visible in public life, and by increasing the female representation in the Dail is the best way to achieve that. There are currently four women in the current cabinet the most there’s ever been in the history of the State. However Kenny wants the number to increase that by another three if he is elected as head of the next government, which would mean that there would be a minimum of seven females in cabinet.
Mr Kenny told reporters: “My belief is that if I have the opportunity on the next occasion to appoint a Cabinet, it will be a 50/50 on merit of men and women. To ensure that women are seen to be given the opportunity to play their fullest part in Irish society”.