Women's interest representation in the republic of Ireland: The council for the status of women

Abstract

This article teases out some of the issues surrounding the past and future development of the Council for the Status of Women, an organisation with the sole function of representing women's interests. Its history is a reflection of the charges in the relationship between women, policy and politics in Ireland. The article analyses the internal tensions within the Council which have shaped its positions on women‐centered issues. It also seeks to emphasise the connection between the organisation and the political and social context in which it operates.