Quote

There is a real diversity of talent and background on the A list so as to better reflect our society in all walks. There are people who have been candidates before, Councillors, Doctors, business leaders, charity campaigners.

You got to have people at the top who respond to and are selected by presidents.

When it comes to getting more women into parliament, politicians have at least started to take active measures. The British Labour Party introduced all-female shortlists in 1997.

I think we've been the selection just because I think I've earned it by doing a lot of things for the district.

My name was on the list very early after these announcements were made through the newspapers in Europe.

In politics, they found there were not enough females in the House of Commons, so they came up with the idea of shortlists having to have women on them.

I had almost forgotten to tell you that I have already been to the Parliament House; and yet this is of most importance. For, had I seen nothing else in England but this, I should have thought my journey thither amply rewarded.

I also don't have a desire to be on the A-list. I feel more people can relate to the D-list than the A-list.

When you first come into Parliament, it's a daunting place because you feel you've so much to learn. Once you've been re-elected, you feel much more confident. It just gives you a bit of a boost.

In Europe and the United States, you've got different systems to select candidates, and no system is perfect.