Mary Harney

Profile from Elections 2002

11 Serpentine Terrace, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Tel: 01 6765033

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Kildare St, Dublin 2, Tel: 6312121

Born Ballinasloe, Co. Galway March 1953. Married to Brian Geoghegan. Educated Convent of Mercy, Goldenbridge, Inchicore, Dublin - Presentation Convent, Clondalkin, Dublin and TCD (BA [Mod]). Tanaiste, Leader of the Progressive Democrats. Contested 1977 general election in Dublin South East. First elected 1981 and at each subsequent election.

Re-appointed Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment June 2002. Tanaiste (the first woman to hold the office) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 1997-2002. Elected leader of the PDs October 1993, the first woman leader of a Dáil party. Deputy Leader of the PDs and spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform 1993. Minister for Environmental Protection 1989-1992. Co-founded the PDs with Des O'Malley 1985. Fianna Fail whip removed after voting for Anglo-Irish agreement in 1985. Nominated by Jack Lynch to Senate 1977-1981. Member of Dublin County Council 1979-1991. First Lady Auditor of the College Historical Society in Trinity College. Irish Independent Woman of the Year 1993.

Click here for details of Seán Donnelly's book Elections 2002