With one of the shortest election campaigns of all time – and the introduction of a gender quota for political parties – the countdown to Friday has been widely debated. From policies and manifestos, to the representation of women, minority groups and those most vulnerable in society, the Irish public has long been facing a crisis in confidence when it comes to politics. We even held our first #HerTalks about the representation of women in Irish politics, which you can catch up on here. While current voting patterns mean we would have to wait in excess of 200 years to see a 50/50 gender balance seated in the Dáil, we were intrigued to see this post highlighting the current representatives of the Canadian government. As well as each minister representing an area of expertise, there is currently equal representation with 50% of women in the cabinet. While it’s unlikely that the 32nd Dáil will boast a gender balance, it’s definitely worth considering adopting some habits from our neighbours across the pond. The full post reads: O Canada.....What a cabinet: Minister of Health is a doctor. Minister of Transport is an astronaut. Minister of National Defense is a Sikh Veteran. Minister of Youth is under the age of 45. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is a former farmer. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness was a Scout. Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development was a financial analyst. Minister of Finance is a successful businessman. Minister of Justice was a crown prosecutor and is a First Nations leader. Minister of Sport, and Persons with Disabilities is a visually impaired Paralympian. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Canadian Coastguard is Inuit. Minister of Science is a medical geographer with a PhD. New titles include Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees was an Immigration critic. There are scientists in the cabinet, and it is made up of 50% women.