Questions for Presidential candidates

James Jones

I have just sent the following questions to all of the Presidential candidates.

1. Would you sign into law any legislation that follows the recent Law Reform Commission proposals (HERE) that seek to undermine the current position of Section 6.-(1) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 that parents who are Legal Guardians act Jointly on behalf of their children?

   “4.05 The Commission recommends that a general statutory requirement to consult should not be included in legislation concerning parental responsibility”.

2. What is your position on the failure of State authorities, such as the HSE (HERE), schools (HERE) and hospitals (HERE), to respect the right of children to have both guardians consent jointly for any matter that requires parental consent?
   
3. Do you believe that Gender Equality is an issue solely for women, as indicated recently in the Dept. of Justice report to the Universal Periodic Review (HERE), given recent Equality Tribunal cases (HERE)?

   “Women’s rights and gender equality
   137. Ireland has ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Despite the progress that has been made, inequalities on the gender ground still exist. Workplace gender discrimination continues to be reported annually, with on average, women being paid 17% less than men and ongoing occupational sex segregation. Childcare and eldercare responsibilities often hinder the advancement of women in their careers. Women continue to be under-represented in decision-making roles, particularly in the political arena and as company executives and members of corporate boards.
   138. To address these areas, gender equality policy in Ireland consists of a number of components. The comprehensive National Women's Strategy 2007-2016 is an all-of Government commitment to foster the advancement of women in all facets of their lives. The Strategy, which contains 20 key objectives and over 200 actions, aims to equalise socioeconomic opportunity for women, ensure their well-being and engage women as equal and active decision-makers. The Government and the European Social Fund have made funding available for a programme of positive actions to support gender equality. These include increasing women’s participation in employment, supporting women entrepreneurs and assisting those in employment to advance their careers”.

I will post all replies as and when I receive them.

James Jones

This is the first reply, received from the Campaign Team of Mary Davis: "Thanks for your question. I'll be back to you with a reply as soon as I can".

Zubeneschamali

Are you asking these questions as the representative of some group, like the Association for Men Picked-On By Baldy Women, Founder and President, John Waters?

James Jones

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

Are you asking these questions as the representative of some group?

No. I don't represent anyone but myself. I'm asking the questions for myself but am willing to let others know where the candidates stand on the particular issue of men and fathers being discriminated against as indicated in the article HERE published in the magazine EFM that came with the Irish Times last Thursday.

James Jones

Here is a reply from Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness:

a chara,
Thank you for your email.
As president Martin would be duty bound to sign into law any piece of legislation passed by the Oireachtas which he does not consider to have the possibility of being unconstitutional and or on further evaluation is deemed constitutional by the Council of State. This would mean that he would have to sign even legislation which he personally disagreed with but was constitutional.
On the issue of joint parental consent I cannot speak for Martin on this issue as I am not aware of his position and the links you provided are not working.
I believe Marin would take the position that Gender Equality is an issue whereever people are treated unequally on the basis of their gender. Given the historical role of women in society they are likely the gender which most experiences inequality as can be seen in pay levels, potential for job promotion etc but it is not the preserve of any gender as an issue.
I hope these answers have been satisfactory.
Le meas,
Martin McGuinness for President

National Campaign Office
101-102 Capel Street,
Dublin 1
01 874 0194
Fax; 01 874 9020

I re-sent the links and am waiting for a further reply.

pubview

Why is Martin referring to himself in the third person in his reply ?

If it's not Martin himself replying, then who is this 'I' that is ?

MadsL

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

Are you asking these questions as the representative of some group, like the Association for Men Picked-On By Baldy Women, Founder and President, John Waters?

Are you asking that question just to be obnoxious? These are perfectly valid questions to ask.

Zubeneschamali

MadsL wrote: »

These are perfectly valid questions to ask.

I think it is fair to ask the OP if he represents a group.

The reference to the fictional group founded and presided over by His Wisdom, John Waters, was in the nature of a joke or witticism.