FINE Gael has become embroiled in a row over gender quotas after a male councillor was replaced on the party ticket by a woman.

Carlow councillor Pat O'Toole has accused Fine Gael headquarters of engaging in "pear-shaped democracy" after he was blocked from running in the local elections despite reaching the quota during a selection convention last week.

Mr O'Toole became the fourth candidate to secure the required number of votes. However, he was later informed that he was being replaced by party colleague Kathy Walsh.

The Irish Independent has learned that Fine Gael headquarters issued a directive prior to the convention stating that at least one female candidate must be on the ticket.

Ms Walsh had secured the most votes of the three female candidates.

The decision to impose gender quotas has infuriated Mr O'Toole's supporters.

He told the Irish Independent last night that Fine Gael was trying to take him "out of politics".

"I, along with many others, want to see more women in politics.

"But people should be allowed to run based on their merits and I deserved the fourth place on the ticket," he said.

"This is not acceptable behaviour and I believe it represents pear-shaped democracy by Fine Gael."

Mr O'Toole, who has been a public representative for 19 years, confirmed that he will now consider running as an independent.

"I have no choice in the matter. I intend to defend my seat, absolutely," he added.

Ms Walsh last night said that she "doesn't make the rules", adding that she sympathised with Mr O'Toole.

A Fine Gael spokesman said the directive had been issued before the convention and that no further comment would be made.

Irish Independent