President of Ireland - Mrs Robinson

Résumé du document

I was elected by the women of Ireland, who instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system, is one of the most famous quotes of Mrs Mary Robinson (who was elected President of Ireland in 1990, until 1997) and which surely reveals a key-point in our analysis, the importance of women in society and feminism in politics. Clearly unpopular before her election, Mrs Robinson managed to turn things around at a point where she attracted an incredible popularity, often well-known through 'And here's to you Mrs Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know / And here's to you Mrs Robinson, Heaven holds a place for those who pray'. How did she build up such a political success? Is her success only a political one? What influence did she have under her mandate? First, we will discuss about this great figure as a person, and secondly, we will focus on her works as a politician.

Extraits

[...] Currently does she fight for humanitarian causes in Kosovo or Sierra Leone. In recognition of gratitude for her services and help she was awarded twice in the last 3 years: In 2002 she got the Sydney Peace Prize for her outstanding work as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and in May 2005 she was awarded the first "Outspoken" award from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission as she provided for an equal age of consent, treating heterosexuals and homosexuals equally. [...]

[...] She has been highly criticized and didn't have any party to rely on. In other words, a very isolated woman with very progressive ideas. Against all odds, she would win and surprisingly enough did she win. She was certain to give Ireland a good shake by reforming the post of president, which was considered as a As it was a purely symbolic function, like the Queen in Great Britain, she intended to create a “people's presidency” by including every body of the society at the head of the government, so as everyone could recognize himself in the ones who have the power. [...]

[...] Furthermore did she have all the odds against her, as Ireland was still a very conservative society, still dominated by men and in which women were discriminated against. Her background, her past and her carrier surely helped her in criticizing this society. She was ready to tackle some crucial but controversial issues such as divorce, contraception. She stuck to her guns and stood firm in her positions. Mrs Robinson set an example of courage, determination, selfinvolvement but also an incredible fight for her society. She did not hesitate to criticize the church domination and hierarchy, still very influent in Ireland. [...]

[...] As if only men could be in politics. Women were then under-estimated in their ability of succeeding in politics, while they could bring such many new and different values in this domain. Her carrier took an other dimension in 1997 when, after leaving the presidency, she decided to get involved in world-affairs, becoming a human-rights lawyer II . which clearly helped her in her political success. Mrs Robinson's political success was not as easy as it could appear. She first had to face a huge hindrance: unpopularity. [...]

[...] To crown it all, Mrs Robinson symbolizes the success in a meritocratic society. It is important to conceive that politicians at that time chiefly came from the upper middle class (or higher upper class-) and that Mrs Robinson was an example, what's more, a pioneer for the whole society. In this respect, she took the first class honours at Trinity College, one of the most famous and reputed College in Ireland, she then graduated at Harvard in the US, also one of the most reputed College in the world. [...]