Women of the Dail Book

This book studies in depth the involvement of women in Irish parliamentary politics during the crucial years of the Irish revolution and the post-revolutionary settlement. After briefly examining the apparent rise of female politicians - including Mary MacSwiney, Margaret Pearse, Constance Markievicz and Kathleen Clarke-to national prominence and Dail seats, the book looks at why the post-Treaty political landscape was so difficult for women. The standard explanation has to do with traditional male chauvinism and sexism. While they were undoubtedly present, "Women of the Dail" demonstrates that the attitude of the Free State government toward female politicians cannot be separated from the attitude of the Free State government towards republicanism. Political republicanism and women's involvement in politics were each seen as a manifestation of "emotionalism" in politics. The Free State government, in contrast, defined itself in opposition to this model, presenting itself as sober, rational, calm and unemotional. Thus the Free State/republican divide, and the language used to discuss the Treaty, is seen as a crucial component in understanding why women were virtually cast out of parliamentary politics after the Irish revolution.Read More