Why So Few Women in Dáil Éireann? The Effects of the Single Transferable Vote Election System

Abstract

The results from the 2002 general election in Ireland provide a helpful startinj point for an analysis of the potential causes of the low level of female represen tation in D?il ?ireann. Many observers have focused on political culture as th< critical variable that explains women's historic low level of representation. Bu Ireland's electoral system, which allows for the single-transferable vote (STV) also has numerous effects on the outcomes of elections. Recent research ii other national settings, especially Australia, leads one to expect that STV woulc result in a relatively high number of women elected to Ireland's lower house; bu the number of women TDs elected since the founding of the Free State is sur prisingly small. This finding does not necessarily contradict the results o research in other states that use a similar electoral system. Instead, it indicate; that something beyond the mechanics of the electoral system accounts for th< relatively low number of women elected to the D?il. In examining the selection of new candidates, the perception that there ha; been no inherent need or advantage for a party to nominate more women can didates appears to be a crucial factor in accounting for the low number o women who have been elected. The recent decision by Fianna Fail at their 200^ Ard Fheis, or annual party convention, to nominate women to at least a third o their candidacies by 2014 is a significant move to increase female representatior in the long term, and it may well begin a process that will undermine histori? low levels of women's representation in Ireland. This decision represents < recognition that the Irish political system has been slow to change to incorpo rate more women into legislative positions. Fianna Fail's commitment no doub also reflects a response to the increased success of women candidates in othe: parties.