Mary Robinson - The First Woman President of Ireland

Mary Therese Winifred Robinson or Maire Mhic Riibinresigned to take up her post in the United Nations.
in Irish was born on May 21, 1944. Robinson becameSince the year 2002, Robinson served as the
the seventh President of Ireland and the first femaleChairman for International Institute for Environment
who held the highest position in the country. Sheand Development or IIED. She is also one of the
served as Ireland's President for a period of fivefounding members and Chairman of the Council of
years, from 1997 to 2002. During the 1990Women World Leaders and one of the members of
presidential election, Robinson defeated Fine Gael'sthe Trilateral Commission.
Austin Currie and Fianna Fail's Brian Lenihan. As anIn addition, Robinson also served as the chair of
independent candidate, Robinson was nominated byGAVI Alliance, a post she held until 2004. She is also
the Workers' Party, Labour Party, and othera Chancellor at the University of Dublin and a
independent senators and the first elected Ireland'sProfessor who teaches international human rights at
President who won the election without receiving anyColumbia University since 2004. She is also a recipient
support from Fianna Fail.of Amnesty International's Ambassador of
Robinson is credited by many people for successfullyConscience Award for her contributions in upholding
revitalizing and liberating what used to be ahuman rights. Indeed, with Mary Therese Winifred
conservative political office. Four months before herRobinson contributions to the world, she clearly gave
term as the President of Ireland ended, Robinsonpride to Irish flag.