European Parliament elections spark war of words from Mayo MEP

Caoimhín Rowland

A Midlands North West MEP has sparked controversy on the state of gender and age representation in within Irish politics, particularly within the context of the upcoming European Parliament elections.

Maria Walsh criticised Fianna Fáil's selection of three male candidates, all aged 56 for June’s ballot.

Walsh highlighted the need for greater diversity in representation, describing the prevailing trend within Fianna Fáil as "male, pale, and stale."

In her remarks, Walsh pointed out the contrast with Fine Gael's selection in 2019, where four women were returned to the European Parliament.

Her comments broach broader concerns about the lack of female and age diversity in political representation in Ireland, urging parties to address structural issues, despite European Parliament elections not requiring gender quotas.

Fianna Fáil's candidates, Barry Cowen, Billy Kelleher, and Barry Andrews, all aged 56, faced scrutiny in light of Walsh's remarks. While MEP Barry Andrews acknowledged the need for more female representation and conceded that the current situation "isn't favourable", Barry Cowen responded defensively on X.

Cowen lashed out at Walsh stating, "After 5 years that’s all you have to say? Personal insults about incomplete tickets."

The two candidates will battle it out in this constituency with recent opinion polls indicating a slump in support for Fine Gael for European Parliament elections.

Mayo’s Lisa Chambers was not selected by her party at last week’s convention, finishing third in the race behind Donegal Senator Niall Blaney, however, Cowen’s remarks on social media indicate the Castlebar senator may be added to Fianna Fáil’s ticket ahead of this summer’s vote.