Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I had hope to raise many points. I refer to the five Cs, one of which is cash. This can be overcome through legislation. However, confidence is a major issue. As for culture, this is changing because women are entering all fields of life. They are attending universities, acquiring engineering and science degrees and reaching the top. Unquestionably, there is no barrier in respect of academic ability, as they are well able to do the job. In fact, one should not doubt that they are much better than men. Consequently, there is no problem with culture. The problem arises in how one puts together a machine to be elected. While the quota system can be overcome - I do not perceive it to be a barrier, no matter how one might want to do it - the key factor is dealing with what is on the ground. Senator Bacik has been there and it is where one wins or loses.