The Tánaiste says gender quotas are causing 'agony' for men who find the idea of women in politics 'challenging'.
Joan Burton was reacting to comments made by former senior Fine Gael strategist Frank Flannery - who said it was 'difficult' for some male candidates who he said are being 'pushed aside' by women.
Mr Flannery said he supported gender quotas, and that the quotas of 30 or 40% are the only way to get a breakthrough of encouraging women to stand for the Dáil.
However he said that some young men in politics are now feeling a 'sense of grievance'.
Tánaiste Joan Burton says she believes some men still find the idea of women in the Dáil 'challenging':
Meanwhile Renua leader Lucinda Creighton says gender quotas are a problem for 'old' parties who hold seats for generations.
She says young women should be encouraged to enter the political arena - and 'old parties' are struggling to adapt:
