In this extract from a longer interview, Emily O’Reilly, the European Ombudsman, discusses how Ireland’s joining the EU liberated a generation of Irish women. She compares the different attitudes of Ireland and the UK towards the EU, how Ireland benefitted structurally, economically and socially from EU membership and the historical affinity of Ireland with Europe. She talks about how the influence of populism has disrupted the mainstream norms and discusses misogyny, the resulting politicisation of young women, the challenges women face in the workplace, her belief in gender quotas, and how female sensibility makes them excellent negotiators. She shares her belief that the sense of positivity and hope towards the EU will propel us forward.

O'REILLY, Emily (IE)

European Ombudsman

Europe and Me - From the inside: Interview with Emily O’Reilly (short)

Europe and Me - From the inside: Interview with Emily O&rsquo;Reilly