for political parties. I can see both sides of it. It's a way of kick-starting reform and bypassing the backward gombeens who run political parties on a local level. However, basing running for election on the criterion of gender rather than merit is a retrograde step.

Women have a lot to answer for IMO. About 50% of the population, 100 years of being able to vote, yet still under represented in politics. We must draw from this that women voters do not vote for women candidates.

Will this new requirement improve the calibre of politician? If it results in more Beverly Cooper Flynns and Mary Harneys then No Thanks.

On the upside, the main parties will be crying out for women candidates. Any escort who wishes to run under the TOBL banner will find FF, FG etc more receptive to putting them on the ticket.

What do you think?