Research on political candidates with disabilities

By Dan Walsh

A study on disabled political candidates in Ireland found financial costs and canvassing difficulties as key barriers to their participation in politics.

The research included detailed interviews with seven political candidates with intersecting identities who have disabilities, along with representatives from eight organisations representing migrant, LGBTQ+ and Traveller communities, disabled people’s organisations, and education and training organisations.

Research identifies barriers such as inaccessible environments, poor communication, negative attitudes, fear of violence, lack of funds, and insufficient support.

Dr. Vivian Rath from Trinity’s School of Education stated: “This research highlights the experiences of disabled election candidates with intersecting identities in Ireland. The small number of participants indicates the low representation of disabled people and those with intersecting identities in elections. Despite this, the candidates’ insights and participating organisations’ reflections clearly outline pathways to political life.”

“Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires not just acknowledging barriers but actively dismantling them. This report offers a roadmap for change,” stated Dr Rath, who hails from Kilmuckridge. 

Key recommendations: 

• The State should be responsible for collecting self-reported data on disability and other identities (including gender, LGBTQ+ identities, ethnic and racial minorities including members of the Traveller community and migrants, etc.) from election candidates. This should be published in a way that does not identify or endanger candidates. 
• Political parties should dismantle structural barriers to the participation of disabled people with intersecting identities in all aspects of their work. This should include the development of inclusion guidelines at the branch level and building intersectionality into existing support structures. Parties must also consider the need for greater diversity when proposing candidates for election and for co-option, including disability and other identities.
• Civil society organisations should be funded and supported to establish and run regular training and mentoring for disabled people, including those with intersecting identities who want to explore the idea of putting themselves forward for elected office.

The survey was conducted by researchers in University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin and funded under the National Disability Authority Research Promotion Scheme.