Increase in 3-seater constituencies makes it “more difficult for women to get elected” says organisation

The increase of 3-seater constituencies across Ireland following the publication of the Electoral Commission’s proposed boundary changes will make it more difficult for women to get elected, said Women for Election CEO Brian Sheehan.

“The Electoral Commission’s proposed boundary changes for Dáil constituencies published today may make it more difficult to achieve a better gender balance within the Dáil” said Sheehan.

“Ireland currently ranks 101st in the world for women’s representation in parliament, with only 23% women TDs. Addressing this yawning gap involves many factors, including party selection processes and constituency size.”

Forthcoming research by Women For Election on a gender analysis of general elections from 1992 to 2020, conducted by Clare McGing of IADT, highlights that four and five-seat constituencies facilitate more women’s representation in the Dáil, noted Sheehan.

“While results in 4- and 5-seat constituencies for women’s representation are mixed, bigger constituencies allow larger parties to run more candidates and within that, a greater gender
diversity. The proposed increase from 13 to 15 5-seaters is welcome”, says Sheehan.”

“Three-seat constituencies also have mixed results in terms of women being elected, but 3-seaters are not good for smaller parties generally and it’s smaller parties that have much better gender
representation among candidates and elected TDs.

“More 3-seaters means the potential pool of women TDs lessens if that inhibits the electoral chances for smaller parties.”

“The increase in 3-seater constituencies from 9 to 13 constituencies is likely to mean additional challenges in significantly increasing the number of women in the Dáil,” Sheehan said. 30% of constituencies recommended by the Electoral Commission are 3-seaters, up from 23%.

“The next review, in five years’ time, will see another significant rise in the number of TDs due to population increases. We would urge the Government to change the Electoral Reform Act 2022 to
allow for six-seat constituencies, which will increase proportionality and the possibility of more women in Dáil Eireann” Sheehan added.