For the 2016 General Election, we believe every voter should have as much information at their disposal as possible. For this reason, we’ve decided to profile female candidates from across the country. Not just because they are women, but because each participant has a story to tell in her own right.
Grace O’Donnell is a former Mayor of Tralee and a Fine Gael candidate in the General Election in the Kerry constituency.
Having spent years developing cancer, health and family support services in Tralee, the former mayor was added to the election ballot in Kerry for 2016.
The nomination was announced as Kerry was named as one of a number of constituencies where Fine Gael added a female candidate to meet the gender quota.
Here, Grace tells us how she got involved in local politics, her opinion on the gender quota, mental health issues in her local constituency and competing in Kerry for a seat.
First, tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m Tralee born and reared, with deep roots in Kerry for generations. I have been actively involved in the local community from an early age and was proud to serve as Mayor of Tralee.
I founded Kare4kidz, a charity dedicated to supporting and helping families with children who are battling illness and I am a member of the Fundraising Committee of the Recovery Haven Cancer Support House. I am also a Junior Liaison Officer with Tralee Rotary working with Transition year students, a member of the Tralee Chamber Alliance and the Tidy Towns Committee in Tralee.
How did you first get involved in politics?
My first involvement in Politics and Public representation was on the Student’s Council, in Presentation Secondary School Tralee. The school & teachers were always encouraging students to put themselves forward for different roles and to get involved. I liked the idea of being a class representative. A number of years later in college I became a member of the Fine Gael party in Tralee.
What role have you played in Irish politics to date?
In 2009 I ran in my first local election after being nominated by the party members. I got elected to Tralee town Council and in 2011 I was honoured to serve as Mayor of Tralee for a year. In 2014 with the abolishment of the Town Councils I ran in the Local elections for Kerry County Council.
What’s your opinion on introducing a gender quota? Do you think it has the potential to create a more balanced government?
We need more women in politics and we should look at more practical solutions like more family-friendly working hours, mentoring, as well as gender quotas. In the last Dáil 15% of the TDs elected were women and yet women make up over 50% of the Irish population. At the current rate of change it will take over 250 years to reach 50% female representation in Irish politics. If it takes gender quotas to help redress that balance, I’m in favour.
How do you think women are perceived in Irish politics?
There’s no doubt it’s a male dominated parliament and you need to be tough to survive and thrive. But once we get elected, women have proven we are a force for real change. Some of the most powerful and effective influencers, orators and policy makers in the last Dáil were women and I believe this trend is set to continue.
Fine Gael has faced some strong criticism for increasing their female candidacy this year. Do you think it’s a fair reflection of how the party represent female candidates?
I can only speak about my personal experience and I have received nothing but support, encouragement and good wishes from both the women and men in Fine Gael for my candidacy.
What has been your biggest motivation while working in local government?
My biggest motivation is to act as a voice for my constituents. Being able to help them is hugely rewarding whether it is sorting out their particular issue or finding a way to make things a little easier for them.
What has been the role of women in the party, having served on local councils?
Fine Gael has dealt with a number of issues that have affected women deeply from the women of the Magdalen Laundries, to violence against women, from symphysiotomy to mother and baby homes. Many of the strongest voices in our party in these areas driving through change have been women.
As a member of Fine Gael, you have seen your popularity drop in recent opinion polls. Why have you chosen to align yourself to Fine Gael?
I have been a member of Fine Gael since my teens. I am very honoured to represent them at all times. I feel Fine Gael have done well and achieved a lot over the last number of years. They have taken the hard decisions rather than seek to court popularity. I believe in Fine Gael’s plans for the next 5 years and I know if Fine Gael and Labour are returned to government they will get the chance to prove to the people we are the only credible and trustworthy government.
What are the biggest barriers that stand in the way of election for you in your constituency?
This is a tough constituency with some well-established politicians on all sides of the political divide, many with a long history in politics, battling for a reduced number of seats. The size of the constituency is staggering – it was previously divided into Kerry South and Kerry North because of its sheer scale – and while I would like to meet every voter and ask for their vote personally, it simply isn’t humanly possible.
How do you plan to stand out from the other candidates in your area in a bid to gain a first preference vote?
It’s one of my top priorities and no-one is speaking about it in this election.
I’m talking about mental health services in Kerry. Ireland ranks 4th highest in the European Union for deaths by suicide among 15-19 year-olds and in Kerry we have the second highest rate of suicide in Ireland. I want to change this.
Do you feel more pressure following the gender quota debate to secure a seat over your male colleagues?
I am thrilled and excited to be a candidate for Fine Gael in the election and for me the gender quota debate was a necessary evil and one that is passed. My focus now is to win as many votes as I can.
What in your opinion is the biggest issue facing Irish voters in the 2016 General Election?
The number one issue is jobs. If we create the conditions necessary to generate enough jobs for our people then a whole range of possibilities open up for us. In Kerry I’ll be promoting the Kerry Technology Park, fighting for LNG and supporting companies like Dairymaster, Mobacar and Irish TV who are currently creating new jobs.
If you had one piece of advice for voters, what would it be?
Educate yourself about the candidates. There is plenty of information available in local papers, social media and online. Read up and see what they have achieved, what their priorities are, what they stand for and get a feel for what type of person they are. Engage with them on the door. But most importantly VOTE. We have fought long and hard for the right to vote in this country. Please use it.
