Labour Women welcomes new Labour party leader
Labour Women today extended their congratulations to Brendan Howlin TD on his election as leader of the Labour Party.
Sinead Ahern, Chair of Labour Women said, “Labour Women would like to congratulate Brendan Howlin as he assumes the role of leader of the Labour Party. Twelve weeks ago we suffered our worst election result in the history of the Party, since then as members we have been in a period of limbo, firstly waiting for a new government to be formed and then for a new leader to be selected. It’s time now to look to the future and get back to the real work of campaigning on the issues that are important to our members and in particular to women.
“We will be seeking a meeting with the new Party Leader as soon as possible and look forward to working with him on issues such as affordable childcare, pension justice for women and Repeal the 8th. There is also a huge amount of work still be done to support more women to get involved in politics. Despite the fact that the Labour Party initiative of gender quotas was introduced under the last Government there is still clearly lots of work to be done here, as was highlighted just yesterday with the promotion of just four women out of 18 junior ministerial positions.
“We know, as a party that there is much re-building to be done across all levels, within all constituencies and within our membership. This is no small task but we look forward to working with Brendan Howlin in supporting him in this work.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing leader, Joan Burton TD who has been a constant supporter of Labour Women during her time as leader, and we look forward to her continued support.”