Diversity key to local government

A new campaign has been launched on Leeside to highlight the critical role diversity and inclusion have to play in local government.

The campaign, which was launched by Cork County Council, calls upon men and women of all backgrounds and minority groups throughout the county to become involved in local government.

The drive for diversity is being championed by Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, who is only the third woman to hold the role in 100 years.

Having achieved a senior leadership role in Irish local government, Cllr Linehan Foley hopes to inspire that ambition in others.

While the 2019 Local Elections resulted in the highest proportion of female councillors - 226 nationally – representation is still well below par at just 24 per cent of the overall number of elected council members.

Cllr Linehan Foley said: “In recent years, we have seen considerable improvements across the board, but have not yet fully reached the 2019 target of a 30 per cent proportion of women candidates.

“Central to the goal of building and maintaining a sustainable democracy is ensuring the active participation of women and representation of all groups across the board, whether in politics, business or education.”

As part of the campaign initiative, Cork County Council has launched a video in which councillors share their stories about how they became involved in politics and the importance of increased diversity in local government.