East Mayo candidate determined to make history as area's first female councillor
FINE Gael election candidate Antoinette Peyton is determined to make history by becoming the first female councillor to represent the Swinford Electoral Area.
In County Mayo, there are currently only two sitting female county councillors out of 30 and only 19% of candidates for this year’s local elections are female.
Ms. Peyton commented: “It's hard to believe that as of 2024, we have never elected a female councillor for this electoral area (Swinford) in the history of the state. I believe it to be long overdue.
“At present there are only two women amongst the 30 councillors on Mayo County Council. In this century only 11% of councillors elected in Mayo were female. I see this as a glaring gap in representation that I’m eager to fill.”
She continued: “I, along with my fellow candidates, hope to change this on June 7. I think it’s incredibly important that women are at the decision making table, sitting in the chamber on Mayo County Council.
“The lack of women in politics on a national level is also evident. Since 1919, only 22 women have held ministerial positions in Ireland. Notably, there has never been a female Taoiseach, despite the presence of highly capable female TDs since the foundation of the state.
“Since the inauguration of the Dáil Eireann in 1919, women have persistently fought for equitable representation in politics. More than a century later, this battle endures as we push for gender parity within the political landscape.
“The lack of women in our political system and Mayo County Council has made me more eager to enter into the world of politics and has been a core part of why I’m contesting this election.”
She added: “In the next 10 years I would love to see more young people and female candidates putting themselves forward. I believe it’s important. We need to force politics to focus more on issues that affect women and young people. Issues such as housing, employment opportunities and childcare.
“I hope to be the first candidate to cross this barrier in the Swinford Local Electoral Area but I will do so knowing I may be the first female councillor elected for the Swinford Local Electoral Area but I certainly won't be the last!”