A new report on the state of democracy in Ireland recommends the introduction of 50/50 gender quotas for election candidates, to ensure that all parties put forward an equal number of women and men for election.
The report of the Democracy Commission, entitled 'Engaging Citizens', also recommends that electronic voting be introduced for all elections.
The commission, which was set up by two independent think-tanks, spent two years investigating Irish democracy.
It found voters, as well as politicians, to be disillusioned and disenchanted - but not disengaged.
Among its recommendations are extended social and political education in schools, more power for local government, directly elected mayors and greater scrutiny of appointments to public bodies.
