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.
Averil was elected to the Seanad for the first time in 2011, after beating 33 other candidates. Having previously been a member of Fianna Fáil, Averil left the party on May 25th after canvassing to pass a ‘Yes’ vote in the Marriage Referendum.
Here Averil talks about opening the doors for equal opportunity, her decision to leave the financial and group security of a political party, and prioritising healthcare.
How did you first get involved in politics?
I don’t come from a political family, far from it. However, it was my upbringing that politicized me. I grew up in a council estate and was the first person in my family to stay in school past the age of fifteen. I sat the Leaving Cert and got the points to study business in Trinity College. I loved college. However, I was very conscious that the doors which were opening up as a result of my education were closed to my parents, siblings and friends who left school early. I therefore got involved in politics to campaign for everyone to have a fair start in life, regardless of where they are from or how much money their parents have. I won my first elections at college when I was elected Education Officer and then President of Trinity College Students Union.
What role have you played in Irish politics to date?
I was elected to the Seanad on my first attempt in 2011, beating 33 other candidates to win a seat on the Industrial and Commercial panel. Since then, I have worked on a wide variety of issues, including marriage equality, mental health, education, childcare and housing. As an adopted person, I have also championed the rights of adoptees and national parents. I published a bill to give all adopted people a right to their birth certs and help adoptees and natural parents who wish to reunite. It got through the Seanad with unanimous support. One of the reasons I am running for the Dáil is to make sure it gets through there also.
What’s your opinion on introducing a gender quota? Do you think it has the potential to create a more balanced government?
I think it is a shame that it took gender quotas for some of the parties to select more female candidates. However, it is good to see more women running as this will give the electorate a better choice. The quota just gets female candidates on the ballot paper. They won’t get elected unless they convince voters that they deserve to be.
Greater female representation in politics is very important. While men and women’s lives are increasingly similar, there are some issues – such as childcare, domestic violence, rape and part-time employment – that predominantly affect women. Without more female politicians, these issues won’t get the priority they deserve.
How do you think women are perceived in Irish politics?
Being a woman is an advantage in many ways. Many people are fed up of the ‘old boys club’ and find it refreshing to see more women getting involved in politics.
However, female politicians definitely have to work harder than their male counterparts to be taken seriously. However, I think that is the case for women in many professions. We are subject to more comments on our appearance. We also have to more conscious of how we come across in debates. Where a man is forthright in his views, he will be seen as ‘strong’ while a woman might be perceived as ‘aggressive’ or ‘bitchy’. At the same time, if you are calm you can be labeled ‘soft’.
How are you different from the TDs who were elected to the last Dáil?
I’m not interested in last criticism or point-scoring. Instead, I work hard to develop realistic proposals and build cross-party support for them. This has helped me to get my proposals implemented and deliver positive change.
Having worked in politics both as a party member and now an Independent candidate, what made you leave Fianna Fail?
I left Fianna Fáil after the marriage equality referendum as I was annoyed about its lack of support for the YES campaign. The party was officially in favour of the referendum but most of its TDs refused to canvass for it in case it would cost them votes in the general election. I saw this as typical of a general lack of courage and commitment. Having lost faith in the party, I couldn’t stay and ask people to vote for me as a Fianna Fáll candidate in the general election. Therefore, the referendum was on the Friday and I left on the Monday. It is much harder to run in the election as an Independent candidate, without a party organization and funding. However, I felt that leaving was the right thing to do.
It’s one of the first times political parties could really be under pressure to retain seats – why do you think the Irish public have gravitated from their preference of parties to Independent candidates?
I think people are fed up of all the broken promises and have lost faith in the main parties. As a result, they are starting to look at the quality of the individual candidates and consider voting Independent. At the same time, they want to know they are voting for someone who will have an impact. The influence you have as an Independent depends on the type of person you are. People who are negative and just criticize everything get nowhere. However, those like myself who are practical and have a track record of working on a cross-party basis to deliver positive change can make a big difference.
How do you plan to stand out from the other candidates in your area in a bid to gain a first preference vote?
My team and I are working extraordinarily hard and I am trying to meet as many people as possible before polling day. I am also using videos to reach people who I might not meet on the canvass. My main campaign video is online here. I also have a boxing-themed video, which I am getting great feedback on.
What in your opinion is the biggest issue facing Irish voters in the 2016 General Election?
The A&E crisis and waiting times for public hospital appointments is the issue raised with me most often in Dublin Bay North. People are horrified that in 2016 elderly patients are being left waiting for days on trolleys or chairs in our emergency departments. The problems in our health service didn’t just materialize on this Government’s watch. However, things are getting worse. I think all TDs and Senators should put aside their party political rivalries and work together on this issue. As an Independent candidate in the election, I have also made it clear that I won’t support any Government that isn’t prepared to prioritise healthcare.
If you had one piece of advice for voters, what would it be?
Vote for someone with the courage of their convictions who will fight for people and make a positive difference. If you’re in Dublin Bay North, I would really appreciate your support.
