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Taoiseach's Cabinet Appointments Face Criticism for Gender Imbalance

Dublin, Ireland — In a recent announcement of his new government, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has faced backlash for failing to promote female TDs to senior cabinet positions. Despite expectations that more women would be elevated to prominent roles, only three women secured senior cabinet posts: Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Helen McEntee, and Norma Foley.

This marks a decline in female representation at the cabinet table, with the number of women in senior roles dropping by one compared to the outgoing government. Critics have expressed disappointment, particularly as there had been widespread anticipation that Mary Butler would be promoted to a full cabinet position. Instead, Butler has been appointed a super-junior minister and will attend Cabinet meetings while also taking responsibility for mental health.

Norma Foley, previously serving as Minister for Education, will now head the Department of Children, despite expectations that she would take on the role of Minister for Social Protection, often referred to as "the new Heather Humphreys." Other notable changes include the removal of Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue from the Cabinet, with Dara Calleary, James Lawless, and James Browne being promoted in his stead.

In Fine Gael, Tánaiste Simon Harris has taken over the foreign affairs and trade portfolios, with Jennifer Carroll MacNeill promoted to the role of Minister for Health and Helen McEntee moving to Education. However, the appointment of Hildegarde Naughten to a super-junior ministry has raised concerns due to her refusal to address allegations of campaign involvement with an expelled Fine Gael councillor accused of inappropriate behavior.

Meanwhile, in Fianna Fáil, Jim O’Callaghan has been appointed Justice Minister, while outgoing housing minister Darragh O’Brien has moved to the role of Transport and Energy Minister. James Browne has been promoted to Housing Minister, a significant elevation from his previous role as junior justice minister.

Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers have swapped positions, with Donohoe now serving as Finance Minister and Chambers overseeing the Department of Public Expenditure. Several other ministers, including Peter Burke (Enterprise) and Patrick O’Donovan (Media), remain in their roles.

Gender Representation Under Scrutiny

The significant reduction in the number of women in the Cabinet has sparked criticism from various political figures and advocacy groups. Aldagh McDonogh, chair of Women for Election, called the lack of female representation "shocking and disappointing," highlighting the need for women’s perspectives in government decision-making. "Their exclusion diminishes the strength of this Cabinet," she remarked.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also expressed her disappointment, describing the gender imbalance as a "case of déjà vu," emphasizing the male-dominated nature of the Cabinet. Similarly, the Social Democrats raised concerns, with deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan noting that the number of people named James in the Cabinet now matches the number of women. He criticized both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for failing to promote elected women to senior positions, calling it a "cosy boys’ club."

Taoiseach Defends Appointments

A spokesperson for Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the Cabinet appointments, highlighting the appointment of two strong female ministers. “Minister Norma Foley takes on the new challenge of the Department of Children, and Minister Butler, as Chief Whip, will be well suited in the engine room of government,” the spokesperson said. "Her passion for mental health will bring it to Cabinet level for the first time."

The announcement follows tense negotiations, with crisis talks and delays in the Dáil vote, which was postponed by a day after opposition TDs raised concerns over the seating of Independent TDs who support the government. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy ruled that there was "significant ambiguity" in the wording of standing orders, leading to the formation of a Dáil reform committee to determine whether the group can sit on opposition benches.

The ongoing debate surrounding gender representation in the Cabinet raises important questions about the commitment to diversity and inclusion in Ireland's political leadership.

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