Harney, Mary (1953–)

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Harney, Mary (1953–)

Irish politician. Born Mar 11, 1953, in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Ireland.

Was the 1st woman to become auditor of the Historical Society in Trinity College; nominated to the Seanad by Taoiseach Jack Lynch (1977–81), becoming the youngest member of that house; representing Fianna Faáil, served as TD in the 22nd-25th Daáil (1981#1989) for Dublin South West; quit Fianna Faáil (1985) and was instrumental in establishing the Progressive Democrat (PD) Party (Dec 21, 1985); returned to 26th-28th (1987–2002) and 29th (2002–) Daáil as a Progessive Democrat; on the formation of the Fianna Faáil-Progessive Democrat coalition government, appointed minister of State with responsibility for the Office of the Protection of the Environment; appointed deputy leader of the PDs and spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Feb 1993), then became leader of the PDs, the 1st woman to lead a party in the Daáil; appointed minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Chosen Irish Independent Woman of the Year (1993).

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