Eamon Ryan missed opportunity to promote women and unite the party, says Catherine Martin

The appointment of three men as Ministers of State was the prerogative of Eamon Ryan as leader, Ms Martin told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.
Eamon Ryan missed opportunity to promote women and unite the party, says Catherine Martin

Catherine Martin said that wherever there are women who have proven they are ready and able, they should be promoted. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
Catherine Martin said that wherever there are women who have proven they are ready and able, they should be promoted. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

The Green Party’s deputy leader Catherine Martin, has said that the party missed an opportunity to promote women when appointing Ministers in the new Cabinet.

The appointment of three men as Ministers of State was the prerogative of Eamon Ryan as leader, Ms Martin told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.

“As a female politician and someone who set up the caucus and I set up our own green group Mná Glása, I would always seek to promote women in our party, but having said that all Green Party Ministers who are there are good for the job, and I respect the decision.”

Ms Martin said that wherever there are women who have proven they are ready and able, they should be promoted.

“We should always seek to promote because young girls cannot aim to be what they cannot see.

We should always be seeking to do that, to promote women.

The Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht said she congratulated all the male ministers.

“They're all able for the job, but I think there was a missed opportunity to promote women and from our side there was also a missed opportunity to unite the party as well, that nobody who voted no or advocated no to the programme for government was promoted to ministerial position and I think that was a missed opportunity to unite.

“We are a party that respects and cherishes debate and challenge and having those voices inside and within government at the ministerial table would have been welcome.”

When asked about an accusation of misogyny within the party by Cork Green Party Councillor Lorna Bogue, Ms Martin said: “I think we have to be seen to do more - as a party we talk the talk in relation to promoting diversity and inclusivity, but if we're not acting on it I think that's regrettable and that's something I would like to see changed.”

More in this section

Record level of children and adults in emergency accommodation Record level of children and adults in emergency accommodation
'Very high likelihood' of further cyberattacks on Irish IT systems 'Very high likelihood' of further cyberattacks on Irish IT systems
Pile or group of multi colored and different sizes of colourful foil wrapped chocolate easter eggs in pink, blue, and gold. Larg Young sisters donate hundreds of Easter eggs to children's hospital
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited