Taoiseach intent on equal gender split in cabinet if re-elected
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has proclaimed his next cabinet will be split equally in terms of gender, if re-elected.
The Fine Gael leader has said he wants women to be more visible in public life, and believes increasing female representation around the cabinet table is the best way to achieve that.
There are currently four women in cabinet - the most there's ever been in the history of the State.
Kenny wants to increase that by another three if he is the leader of the next government, ensuring there would be a minimum of seven females in cabinet.
"My belief is that if I have the opportunity on the next occasion to appoint a Cabinet, it will be a 50/50 - on merit - of men and women. To ensure that women are seen to be given the opportunity to play their fullest part in Irish society," said the Taoiseach.
