Independent Ireland has accused Fine Gael of spreading misinformation on the eve of the election – and say that 42.5% of its candidates in the election are female, contrary to the claim by Grace Boland, a Fine Gael candidate in Fingal West.
Boland had issued a press release claiming that Independent Ireland had “failed spectacularly” in reaching the mandatory 40pc quota for female candidates – a claim the new party said was untrue.
Boland had claimed that Independent Ireland was running just 20 candidates, of which seven were female. “Why are Independent Ireland so against having women candidates? Are the three wise men of Independent Ireland—Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue, and Michael Fitzmaurice—threatened by women?” she said.
However, Independent Ireland said that “contrary to comments” made by the Fine Gael candidates”we are running 28 candidates of which 16 are male and 12 are female”, adding “so 42.85% of our candidates are female, ahead of Fine Gael’s which is 41% female. “
“We at Independent Ireland firmly refute the claims made by Grace Boland regarding our commitment to gender representation in politics,” they continued.
“Contrary to her accusations, Independent Ireland proudly boasts over 40% female candidates in this election, demonstrating our dedication to promoting women’s voices in leadership roles. The assertion that we have failed to meet the 40% gender quota is not only misleading but fundamentally inaccurate. It is both disheartening and incredible to witness a candidate from Fine Gael engage in such divisive commentary, especially when their own track record does not reflect the progress they claim to champion.”
“Independent Ireland’s gender balance is in fact higher than Fine Gaels. Such conduct undermines the integrity of the discourse on gender equality and representation. For a party that is so intent on clamping down on free speech and misinformation we find the below press release both divisive and misleading and will request a full apology and clarification from Ms. Boland and Mr. Harris. We urge voters to consider the facts and their implications as they prepare for the upcoming election,” the party added.
In response, a spokesperson for Fine Gael said: “This information was based entirely on Independent Ireland’s own website – the day before the country votes.