Fianna Fáil member to launch court action against gender quotas
The High Court is due to begin hearing a legal challenge over gender quotas today.
It is being taken by Fianna Fáil member Brian Mohan, who believes they amount to "political discrimination", and are unconstitutional.
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The Gender Quota Bill became law in 2012 and has been the source of much debate ever since.
Its aim is to ensure that women make up at least 30% of party candidates in the upcoming General Election. Parties who fail to comply face significant cuts in State funding.
Brian Mohan, a Fianna Fáil representative for Dublin's north inner city, was hoping to get the nod at his party’s selection convention for Dublin Central.
However, just weeks before former Councillor Mary Fitzpatrick was selected unopposed, his hopes were dashed by a directive instructing members to elect a female candidate.
Preparing to speak up for Small and Medium Employers at #FiannaFail Ard Fheis #GE16 pic.twitter.com/3Zv4ClmZH3
— Senator Mary Fitzpatrick (@votemaryfitz) January 16, 2016
Mr Mohan is challenging the constitutionality of gender quotas and his case has been pencilled in for three days before the High Court.
