Borderless thoughts on Politics, Public Affairs, the media and anything else that matters from Conall McDevitt, SDLP MLA for South Belfast
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  • Margaret Ritchie – Mna na hEireann

    Posted on February 7th, 2010 Conall McDevitt 4 comments

    Mna na h Eireann (Women of Ireland)

    It was Mary Robinson who brought the poet’s phrase into Irish politics. She lit a torch that has since been carried by Mary Harney, President McAleese, Dawn Purvis and today Margaret Ritchie. Women of Ireland and leaders of people.  They embody our modern island.

    Margaret Ritchie has excelled around the Executive table. She may be out numbered and often outvoted by Sinn Fein and the DUP but never out maneuvered.  The SDLP membership recognised this today and voted for a new ’shared future’ politics.  They endorsed a programme for renewal in policy and personality terms. 

    Here is Sinead O’Connor’s version of the Sean O’Riada classic.

    Business, Politics, Public Affairs
     

    4 responses to “Margaret Ritchie – Mna na hEireann”

    1. corb February 7th, 2010 at 20:53

      I’m usually a big fan of your blog, but there is something deeply flawed with this! Tories appointed Thatcher as their leader in 1975, but I don’t think you would claim the tories of 75-90 as an example of progressive politics. Dawn Purvis – doesn’t she lead a party that is the political wing of a loyalist paramilitary group responsible for nearly 500 murders?

      (For the record I’m a fan of Ritchie and I wish her well!)

    2. J Kelly February 8th, 2010 at 10:43

      Tell the truth Conall she is only leader because she was the only one that could keep big al out.

    3. Donnacha Maguire February 11th, 2010 at 00:22

      Mary Robinson didnt light a torch..people came well before her…Maire Geogheann Quinn in 1979…first female cabinet Minister since Countess Markievicz.
      Mary was good, but not that good!

    4. Katoo March 2nd, 2010 at 20:10

      Who was the first female politician to open a off-licence using a state owned EU funded aeroplane?

      Can you imagine the ranks of the Mark Antony’s legions, sacrificing themselves to defend a cafe on the banks of the Lagan?

      Helen of Troy and Cleopatra still have them all beat is my point, so don’t argue with me about it,

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