Women form political party

Women from both communities in Northern Ireland have formed their own political party to contest next month's elections

Women from both communities in Northern Ireland have formed their own political party to contest next month's elections. They are protesting about the lack of female participation in the North's political system.

The Northern Ireland Women's Coalition, a group of women activists from all over the North, decided to contest the elections after a public meeting in south Belfast on Wednesday night.

They believe that even if they fail to win a seat in the peace forum, the publicity generated from their campaign will improve the position of women in politics.

The coalition is currently drawing up its list of candidates. It needs 38 - two names must go forward for each of the North's 18 parliamentary constituencies and an additional two names must join a regional list of candidates.

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Members of the group are also considering the content of their manifesto. Childcare, equal pay, and health and economic issues will be prominent. However, the coalition is also hoping to reach an agreed policy position on decommissioning, policing and the prisoners issue.