Katherine Zappone
Thirty years ago, Katherine Zappone was not an Irish citizen. However, in the last Dáil, she was arguably the most influential woman in Irish politics. Certainly, as the first female Senator, TD and Minister to identify as homosexual in Ireland, she developed a high profile in national and international media.
Born in Seattle, Washington, and now aged 66, Zappone was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2016 to represent Dublin South-West. At the time of dissolution of the Dáil in January 2020, her ministerial pay entitlement was €175,699 per year or over €3,300 per week.
Katherine Zappone has never had any children. However, in the last government she held the post of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. That is to say, she held responsibility for the welfare of Ireland’s 500,000 young people. Moreover, Minister Zappone was one of only 6 people in the history of the Irish state to hold a ministerial post in her first term as TD.
The purpose of this website is twofold. Firstly, it examines what Zappone believes, and how these beliefs serve as a foundation for her political actions. Secondly, this website examines what Zappone has funded while in office. The policies which Zappone has funded are a reflection of her vision for Ireland. This website examines these critically, encouraging readers to think carefully about the philosophy and intent of Katherine Zappone.
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Zappone’s political history
In 2011, Zappone entered politics without an electoral mandate, being nominated for the Seanad by then Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
In 2016, she barely managed to win the 5th seat in her constituency of Dublin South-West, collecting a mere 6.63% of first preference votes cast.
Yet, a couple of months later, Zappone was appointed a government minister. Moreover, this was in a cabinet where all other 14 ministers had received more than double her percentage of first preferences in their respective constituencies.
It wasn’t long before Zappone made her presence felt. Notably, Zappone became the first cabinet member to speak out unequivocally in favour of abortion legislation. In particular, she stated in 2017 that the 8th Amendment, which protected the life of the unborn, “oppresses us with the burden of choicelessness.” Zappone went further than arguing for repeal. Subsequently, in a lecture at DCU in December 2017, the minister argued for abortion on demand up to at least 12 weeks.
Beliefs underpin her policy developments
Zappone has established herself as one of the most energetic of government ministers. This website examines the religious zeal which underlies her political manifesto. To clarify, underneath the initiatives launched by Zappone lie fervent, little-publicised beliefs which many Irish citizens do not share.
The 2020 general election is about choosing somebody who will represent you in Dáil Éireann, not to mention around the cabinet table. Are Zappone’s beliefs and priorities a reflection of yours? Do you share her vision for Ireland, or does her vision concern you?
Read this website, then make an informed choice on the 8th of February.
Underneath the initiatives launched by Zappone lie fervent, little-publicised beliefs which many Irish citizens do not share.