Institutional Structures, Party Selection, and Spotty Tights

Abstract

Chapter 9 assesses the representation and roles of women in the UUP. Women represent 30 per cent of members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and 25 per cent of local councillors However, compared to other devolved institutions, where female representation is 42 and 35 per cent in the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament respectively, Northern Ireland politics maintains a significant gender deficit, as nationality and religion tend to eclipse a gender focus. The gender deficit within unionist politics is stark when compared with nationalist parties. The chapter accounts for the reasons behind the gender deficit in the UUP, where there is low female party membership and elected representation. The chapter discusses how female participation is promoted. It examines male and female attitudes to women in the party, utilizing survey evidence on views of quotas, on whether female elected representatives can better represent women’s interests, and whether women have significant voice.