Due to the Covid pandemic, all Women for Election face to face events were cancelled. We quickly adapted and began to deliver our training online, and from this our In Conversation With…series was born. We have had the honour of hearing from many inspiring guests and these interviews should be heard by all.
We will be releasing an episode regularly. You can find this podcast on all platforms or click the link below. Please do subscribe and review.
Episode One: Ambassador Samantha Power
Ambassador Samantha Power speaks to journalist Dearbhail McDonald back in May about her work and career to date – working with Obama, building international agreement, vulnerability and the need to have more women in public life.
Episode Two: Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald talks to Martina Fitzgerald about being the first female leader of the opposition, being Uachtarán Sine Féin, why we need more women in politics and how to ensure more women run for election.
Episode Three: Senator Lynn Ruane
Senator Lynn Ruane chats to journalist, Alison O’Connor, about her work as a Senator, class oppression, privilege, resilience and the need to address structural inequality.
Episode Four: Minister Catherine Martin
A proud WfE alum, Minister Catherine Martin speaks about being the first woman to address Westminster as gaeilge and leading the Irish Women’s Parliamentary Caucus. She tells Dearbhail McDonald why we need #MoreWomen at the decision making table and the challenges that are currently facing elected reps such as maternity leave.
Episode Five: Senator Ivana Bacik
Senator Bacik discusses starting her political career in Trinity by becoming involved in student politics. We hear about her facing disappointment in her first two attempts to run for the Seanad. Senator Bacik and Jennifer Bray talk about the importance of mentorship and her involvement in Ireland’s historical social campaigns.
Clare Daly MEP, joins Alison O’Connor for a discussion on the importance of activism and her political journey from her car while travelling to Bulgaria to attend a demonstration. She discusses the issues currently facing the people of Bulgaria and her role as an MEP in this.
Episode Seven: Maria Walsh MEP
Maria Walsh MEP, discusses the role WfE training had in her decision to choose to run. Maria and Margaret discuss the importance of community activism and the part it played in Maria’s political journey.
Episode Eight: Deputy Holly Cairns
Irish Time political correspondent Jennifer Bray hosts a riveting conversation with Deputy Holly Cairns, the only female TD from the Cork constituency. Deputy Cairns has been a defender and champion of issues facing women since taking her seat in the Dáil last year.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin sets out his vision to achieve 50/50 representation of women and men in Irish national politics by 2030. He outlines his aspiration for women in Irish politics during a special Women for Election “In Conversation with” event to mark International Women’s Day 2021. An Taoiseach was in conversation with guest MC Dearbhail McDonald, author and broadcaster.
Episode Ten: Frances Fitzgerald MEP
Frances Fitzgerald MEP, speaks to WfE Chair Alison Cowzer about the importance of more women taking a seat at the decision making table and the difference this makes to policy. Frances speaks about her experience of working in the houses of the Oireachtas in comparison to the European Parliament.
