David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

In my household, we have practised a 50:50 gender breakdown for years, in that my wife and I have each contested three elections in different constituencies.

Speaking as a male politician, I say this legislation is long overdue. One of the country's greatest scandals has been the under-representation of women in politics and, arguably, in many other strands of society. I find it offensive for any politician to claim that this measure is a form of social engineering. The fact is that women represent 51% of the population. They should be properly represented in the Houses and on local councils.