Fingal County Councillors host inaugural Women’s Caucus

The inaugural meeting of Fingal County Council’s Women’s Caucus took place in Newbridge house today.

At the meeting councillor Karen Power and councillor Joan Hopkins were elected as chairperson and vice-chair respectively.

After chairing the first meeting, the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Seána Ó Rodaigh, said: “The number of women councillors is on the rise and we hope that the work of the Women’s Caucus will inspire more women across the county to get involved in local politics and run for election because everyone benefits from gender balance and equality.”

The Women’s Caucus aims to create greater gender equality among elected members of Fingal County Council and for constituents.

It aims to have eight meetings per year.

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “It’s wonderful to be here today surrounded by the inspiring women who make up Fingal County Council’s First Women’s Caucus.

“Fingal County Council were delighted to facilitate the setting up of the Women’s Caucus and I look forward to seeing what can be achieved by such a motivated group.”

The mission of the Women’s Caucus is to bring together women and gender minority representatives from all or no parties, according to Fingal County Council.

“It aims to highlight the benefits of collegiality, create a productive and successful environment that supports everyone to achieve common goals, to foster an environment of mutual respect and to create equality for the benefit of all,” it says.

The caucus also aims to develop and advocate for policies that address issues impacting women and promote women participation in local and national politics.

The first chairperson for the Women’s Caucus, councillor Karen Power said: “I am delighted to be voted into the position of Chairperson and feel truly honoured to act as the spokesperson for the caucus.”

The newly elected vice-chair for the caucus, Councillor Joan Hopkins also echoed those sentiments.

“I am honoured to take on this new and exciting role as vice-chair for the Women’s Caucus, I will do my very best to support Cllr Karen Power in ensuring the Caucus achieves what it has set out to.”

Councillors Pamela Conroy, Tania Doyle, Brigid Manton,  Mary McCamley, Siobhan Shovlin and Natalie Treacy were also in attendance for the event.

Councillors Ann Graves, Breda Hanaphy, Grainne Maguire,  Punam Rane and Aoibhinn Tormey could not attend.