Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think we should put forward the best person for the job. I know a lot of water will have gone under the political bridge by the time we face that hurdle. I understand and always feel in politics that the best person for the job should go forward. I think we have to get more women into politics. During my previous role as the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, we introduced maternity leave legislation and a host of supports to allow female candidates to come through. The more women we get into politics the better. Hopefully, they will get the opportunity to put themselves forward for these jobs. It is a very big portfolio, so it is at the discretion of the Government to put forward the most suitable candidate.