Three Mayo women, Sinn Féin councillor Rose Conway-Walsh, Fianna Fáil local area representative for Westport Joan Geraghty and Fianna Fáil local area representative for Castlebar Lisa Chambers have attended Ireland’s first political campaign school EQUIP run by Women for Election in Athlone. The national organisation provides training and support to women from all backgrounds interested in a career in politics. Women for Election brought 20 women from various political parties and backgrounds from across Ireland to complete the three day residential programme.
Speaking about participating in the programme, Cllr Conway-Walsh said: “As one of only three women on Mayo County Council and having been just been re-elected to Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle this was an opportunity for meet to take time and examine how I can better serve the people of my county and my region. Sometimes it’s good to stand back and look at what’s working and what I can do better. My involvement with Women for Election enables me to do this. Sharing the expertise of the speakers and the experiences of women from other political parties is interesting and insightful. At the end of the day, for me, it’s about ensuring I am equipped to represent people in the very best way I can.”
Ms Geraghty said it was a privilege to be on the EQUIP programme with so many other women interested in working to improve and contribute to life in their local communities.
“Exploring the world of politics is a real challenge. At the end of the day I am just hoping to be able to help people in some way by making the system work well for us all,” she added.
Ms Chambers said: “As a candidate for Fianna Fáil in the 2011 General Election I polled 3,500 first preference votes. I was appointed as a local area representative in the Castlebar electoral area shortly after the 2011 elections and I am keen to contest the 2014 local elections. The practical information provided from the numerous experts was really helpful.”
Co-founder of Women for Election, Michelle O’Donnell Keating said: “Women for Election are delighted to bring our EQUIP Programme, Ireland’s first political campaign school to Athlone. It is a fantastic and challenging three days with top political, campaign and communications advice from national and international experts. EQUIP is a highly practical programme to ensure that women have the key tools and techniques to be the best candidate they can be.
“Any woman interested in running for election or getting involved in a campaign can attend one day Inspire programme and we have upcoming days in Galway in June and Dublin in September and there is more information available on www.womenforelection.ie ”
