Irish human rights advocate, politician and lawyer, with a lifelong interest in civil liberties and women’s rights issues. On 12/03/1990, Robinson was inaugurated as the 7th President of Ireland, the first woman to hold the position. On 9/12/1997, she resigned and accepted an appointment as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Born in the town of Ballina, County Mayo, it was immediately evident that Mary was an outstanding academic achiever. She was educated at Trinity College in Dublin, and received her Master of Arts in 1970. She received law degrees from both Dublin and Harvard, and was made Reid Professor of Criminal Law in Trinity College, Dublin at age 25, the youngest professor ever appointed. In 1973, she became a member of the English Bar (Middle Temple). She went on to win a seat in the Upper House of Parliament and served from 1969-89. During her 20 years as a senator, she became a noted expert on European human rights law, and founded the Irish Centre for European Law in 1988. Her nomination as the Labour Party’s candidate for president of Ireland in 1990 was unexpected, and her victory was a surprise to many.
With a strong background in humanitarian work, combined with an uncompromising pursuit of equality and justice for all, Robinson’s position with the United Nations puts her at the forefront of the battle to stamp out human rights abuses around the world.
She married Nicholas Robinson in 1970, and they have three children: Theresa, William and Aubrey.
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