Sir, – It is nothing short of disgraceful that Ireland (along with several other member states) has chosen not to nominate a woman for the position of European commissioner (“Ursula von der Leyen set to miss gender-balance target for EU top jobs after some states snub request”, World, August 26th).

Simon Harris’s excuse is that there’s “no legal requirement” to nominate women. Legal requirements shouldn’t be necessary to do what’s right. This decision flies in the face of the urgent need for diverse representation in Irish politics, especially after the glaring underrepresentation of women in our recent local elections.

By neglecting to propose a woman candidate as requested, Ireland risks being sidelined with a less influential portfolio in the European Commission.

This shortsightedness undermines not only gender equality but also Ireland’s standing in the EU.

We need a gender-equal European Commission that does not settle for a status quo that keeps women out of power.

Backsliding is not an option. Women belong in leadership. – Yours, etc,

EIMEAR SHINE,

The Hague,

The Netherlands.