With all local council seats across the nation now occupied, an analysis of the broader state of affairs surpassing mere party vote ratios is feasible.
The final findings certainly emphasise incumbency’s influence. Of the 949 victors, 680 are incumbent councillors. Approximately 85 per cent of incumbent candidates who chose to run again secured their seats, with only 19 per cent of new entrants managing a win.
This obstacle for new candidates’ election could clarify why Ireland’s diverse electorate is not accurately mirrored amongst its political figureheads.
Attention first turns to the disparity in gender representation. Despite the increased number of female nominees, only 26 per cent of this week’s victors were women, mimicking the exact ratio from 2019. Amongst the 27 EU nations, Ireland ranks 22nd in terms of women’s involvement in local politics. These figures, coupled with an impending general election, do not portend a sudden surge of female representation at the national level where the current numbers are also disappointingly low.
Pressures from inflexible and anti-social hours can discourage many women considering a political career. Furthermore, recent studies show that female politicians frequently face threats and harassment, reinforcing the perception that the Irish political climate is unwelcoming to women.
Women for Election, an advocacy group for increased female representation in politics, has suggested extending the 40 per cent candidate quota presently applicable to general elections to local elections as well.
In an attempt to meet the general election quota and avoid associated financial penalties, political parties are pushing to include more women. However, it was hinted during the last election, when the quota was at 30 per cent, that parties added female candidates to their ticket with scarce hope of them posing a strong challenge. If true, it reflects a regressive approach and solidifies views about gender equality resistance being deeply ingrained in the fabric of Ireland’s political landscape.