Mary Robinson: The Authorised Biography

by Olivia O'Leary, Helen Burke, Helen O'Leary, Olivia;Burke

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0340717394
• ISBN13: 9780340717394
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Coronet Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A fearless lawyer that changed Ireland for the better

This is the fascinating story how a 25 year old became a member of the Senate of Ireland and was later elected President even though she was proposing and pushing through changes in laws against the entrenched conservative views of a male dominated society. Most of law changes she initiated concerned justice and human rights for women, for contraception, divorce, abortion, inheritance, single mother, subjects almost forbidden to talk about. Making changes required several times to take an issue to the European Court of Justice. That she was elected to be president says a lot about her qualities, the tolerance of Irish society and the excellence of a democratic system. She succeeded in being respected by people with radically different views, which must have contributed to her success. The formal power of President in Ireland is very limited as compared to the President of the United States. To get results depended on persuasion and in the case of Mary Robinson excellent knowledge about the possibilities of what can be achieved with new and changes in laws. It is encouraging to learn that so much can be achieved by a single person with strong convictions, expertise in law with energy and no fear. The fact that a court of justice outside Ireland but within the European Union, of which Ireland was a member, shows the benefit of a recognized court of justice outside the home country. Mary Robinson helped Ireland to become a more tolerant and happier society