The new equality legislation is proving a headache for the traditional big two of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Put simply, unless 30% of their candidates in the election are women, Exchequer funding is halved. Both parties are frantically running around the country at present, looking for a woman with a profile to add, in some cases with little regard as to electoral prospects, or even how her presence would affect running mates’ chances on the party ticket.

If you have played camogie for your county, had a high-profile postion in Macra, were involved in one of the high-profile public pressure issues such as the Grid Link/NEPP anti-pylon groups, then a political party may be about to offer you the chance to put yourself before the electorate.

It’s a long way from the progressive advancement of women in politics that we need. In fact, it’s starting to resemble an episode of Father Ted.