LAST YEAR WAS widely acknowledged as Fine Gael’s annus horribilis for a myriad of reasons, including the party’s questionable treatment of women.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was widely criticised for ignoring women in the refhuffle of junior ministers. Then the botched selection of John McNulty as the party’s candidate for the Seanad by-election came at the expense of several female party members who had been tipped for the role.

This prompted one member to quit Fine Gael, claiming the party “is ignoring the talented pool of female candidates”.

So when Cork North-West TD Aine Collins, one of those overlooked for a promotion last year, spoke to TheJournal.ie this week we asked her about her party’s attitude towards women:

Video TheJournal.ie / YouTube

Read: Here’s how the junior minister reshuffle showed up Enda Kenny’s women problem

Read: Enda Kenny’s secret list of women is causing ructions in Fine Gael

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

After the reshuffle snub and McNulty-gate, what's it like to be a woman in Fine Gael?

Read: Here’s how the junior minister reshuffle showed up Enda Kenny’s women problem

Read: Enda Kenny’s secret list of women is causing ructions in Fine Gael

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.