From Nellie to Now: The story of women in Mayo politics

"The barriers faced decades ago still exist today"

PART ONE OF A FOUR PART SERIES

A front page story published in The Connaught Telegraph in March 1966 marked the beginning of what would become a historic movement to enhance women’s political representation in Mayo.

Under the headline ‘Women Try for All-Male Seats’, readers learned that the Mayo Federation of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) had nominated its president, Mrs. Mal O’Sullivan from Claremorris, and Mrs. Nellie Robinson of Heathfield, Ballina, to contest the upcoming Mayo County Council elections as Independent candidates.

At the time, both women said they would consider the proposal, and the final decision to ratify both candidates came the following year.

Nellie Robinson, who went on to contest the election the following year, told this newspaper: “I still have not made up my mind whether to go forward. I have no personal interest in politics. I would much prefer to go forward representing the ICA as it was this body that nominated us.”

It was a novel move by the ICA to promote women in public life.

While Mrs. O’Sullivan was unsuccessful in the Claremorris area, it was 58 years later before this significant region of south Mayo elected a female candidate, Ballyhaunis-based Alma Gallagher finally breaking the glass ceiling, as she described it, following her election in June 2024.

Mrs. Robinson made history in 1967 when she became the first woman ever elected to Mayo County Council.

In the 58 years since that breakthrough, only 11 more women have followed her into the county council chamber.

Remarkably, Mayo has produced as many women Presidents of Ireland as it has female cathaoirligh of Mayo County Council.

Annie May Reape holds the prized distinction of being Mayo’s first and only ever female holder of the office.

Megan Flynn Dixon of See Her Elected said the lack of progress since Nellie Robinson’s time is not surprising, given that many of the barriers women faced decades ago still exist today.

“The majority of our women are not being supported by the largest parties,” the Ballina-based representative said.

“Incumbent councillors benefit from existing power structures, funding, and visibility. There are also ongoing challenges around balancing family life with council work.”

She noted that the scheduling of council meetings remains a major issue.

“Meetings are often held at times that suit traditional work patterns, for example farmers, who can take time out during the day.

"But for many women, especially those with family responsibilities or other employment, those times are simply not practical,” she said.

Mayo has long drawn the attention of See Her Elected because of the consistent over-representation of men in local politics.

The group is currently working with Mayo County Council and local schools to produce educational materials and host workshops aimed at encouraging more women to consider standing for election.

“At the moment, Mayo’s constituents are not receiving full representation,” Ms. Flynn Dixon said.

“A more balanced council would bring broader perspectives and better decision-making for communities across the county.”

Nellie Robinson served as a county councillor from 1967 ‘til 1979 when she lost her seat.

But her campaign was unique as she had the full backing of the ICA and their legion of supporters helped immensely throughout her election canvases.

Robinson remains the only female independent councillor in the history of the county and she was viewed as being ahead of her time.

She was commended by An Taisce for her vision in calling on the council to stop hedge cutting in summer months when birds were nesting.

Following two recent co-options within the Lawless and Duffy families, Mayo County Council now has five female councillors out of 30, still only 16.6%.

The picture in terms of gender representation was much bleaker in the aftermath of the 2024 election when only three women were successful - Alma Gallagher, Annie May Reape and Donna Sheridan. As stated, they are now joined by Deirdre Lawless and Marie Therese Duffy.

Nationally, Donegal County Council has the poorest gender balance, with just three women among its 37 members.

Across the European Union, Ireland continues to lag behind, ranking 22nd out of 27 member states for female representation in local government.

(A podcast mini-series accompanies this article - you can listen on spotify and all podcast streaming platforms, just search for All Ireland Whingers.)

* Published under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.