Mary Harney: A Portrait of Irish Political Influence
An in-depth examination of a prominent figure in Irish politics, tracing her career from early activism and leadership of the Progressive Democrats to significant ministerial roles and leadership positions.
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Origins and Early Education
Birth and Family
Mary Harney was born on 11 March 1953, in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland. Her parents were farmers. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Newcastle, County Dublin.
Academic Foundation
Her early education took place at the Convent of Mercy in Inchicore and the Presentation Convent in Clondalkin. She subsequently pursued higher education at Trinity College Dublin.
University Achievements
During her tenure at Trinity College Dublin, Harney achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first female auditor of the esteemed College Historical Society. She graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economic and Social Studies.
Early Professional Life
Prior to her full-time political career, Harney briefly served as a secondary school teacher at Castleknock College in Dublin, gaining valuable experience in educational settings.
Political Trajectory
Entry into Politics
Harney first gained attention from Fianna Fáil leader Jack Lynch. She stood unsuccessfully as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the 1977 general election. Subsequently, Lynch appointed her to Seanad Éireann, making her the youngest member at just 24 years old. Her electoral success began in 1979 with her election to Dublin County Council, followed by her election to the Dáil Éireann in 1981 for Dublin South-West.
Departure from Fianna Fáil
Harney's political independence emerged when she was expelled from Fianna Fáil in 1985 after voting in favour of the Anglo-Irish Agreement. This followed her earlier challenge to then Minister for Justice, Michael Noonan, regarding a judge's resignation, and her involvement with the "Gang of 22".
Founding the Progressive Democrats
In December 1985, Harney co-founded the Progressive Democrats with Desmond O'Malley and Bobby Molloy. This marked a significant shift in her political affiliation. Following the 1989 general election, the PDs entered a coalition government with Fianna Fáil, and Harney was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Environmental Protection, championing legislation to combat Dublin's smog.
Leadership and Representation
Harney became the Deputy Leader of the Progressive Democrats in February 1993 and assumed the leadership in October of the same year, becoming the first female leader of an Irish political party represented in the Dáil. She served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for Dublin South-West and later Dublin Mid-West from 1981 until her retirement in 2011.
Ministerial Tenure
Enterprise, Trade, and Employment
From 1997 to 2004, Harney served as the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Concurrently, she held the position of Tanaiste from 1997 to 2006, making her Ireland's first female Tanaiste. During this period, she initiated thirteen investigations into companies based on tribunal suggestions and, following the 2002 election, led the party to a stronger position. A notable reform was the inauguration of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) in May 2004, aimed at streamlining personal injury claims and reducing insurance costs.
Health and Children Portfolio
Appointed Minister for Health and Children in September 2004, Harney's tenure was marked by significant policy initiatives and considerable public scrutiny. Her policies, such as the transfer of private beds from public to private hospitals and the introduction of risk equalisation in the healthcare market, drew criticism. The Irish Nurses Organisation passed a motion of no confidence in 2006. Despite challenges, including reports on hospital trolley numbers and a controversial survey ranking the Irish health service, her department also saw improvements in subsequent years.
Party Leadership
Leading the Progressive Democrats
Mary Harney led the Progressive Democrats from 1993 to 2006. She resigned as leader in September 2006 but resumed the role in a caretaker capacity following the 2007 general election, when the party's electoral performance necessitated a leadership change. She continued until April 2008, after which Ciarán Cannon succeeded her following a rule change that broadened eligibility for the leadership.
Transition to Independence
Following the disbandment of the Progressive Democrats in November 2008, Harney continued her service in the Dáil as an independent TD. This phase marked a transition from party leadership to independent representation.
Retirement from Politics
In January 2011, Mary Harney tendered her resignation as Minister for Health and Children. Concurrently, she announced her decision not to contest the upcoming 2011 general election, signalling her retirement from active political life after decades of service.
Points of Contention
Threats and Protests
Harney, alongside other political figures, received a threatening letter in February 2008. Throughout her career, she also faced public demonstrations; in November 2010, a councillor threw red paint at her during a public event, and her ministerial car was targeted with eggs and cheese by protesters concerned about hospital downgrades.
Expense Scrutiny
Concerns were raised regarding her use of expenses, particularly during a trip to Florida in 2004 with senior FAS executives. Reports indicated that while she was entitled to daily subsistence, FAS covered her hairdressing bill. Harney defended her actions, stating she was on official business and had followed proper procedures for claiming expenses.
Legal Settlements
Mary Harney was involved in several libel cases during her career. She settled cases with publications such as *Magill* magazine and the *Sunday Independent*. In 2011, she received substantial compensation from Newstalk radio following a defamatory statement made on air by a journalist.
Life Beyond Parliament
Board Memberships and Engagements
Following her retirement from politics in 2011, Mary Harney transitioned into roles on various corporate boards. She joined the boards of healthcare companies like Cara Health and Biocon, an Indian pharmaceutical firm. Additionally, she engaged in speaking engagements at international conferences, sharing her expertise on health policy and the Irish pharmaceutical sector.
Commentary on Governance
In April 2016, Harney commented on the ongoing government formation talks, emphasizing the potential damage to Ireland's international reputation due to political deadlock. In her remarks, she indicated a conscious decision to leave politics behind after her departure from public office.
Recognition and Accolades
Honorary Doctorate
In recognition of her contributions and public service, Trinity College Dublin awarded Mary Harney an honorary doctorate in 2019. This accolade reflects her significant impact and standing within Irish academic and political spheres.
Personal Life
Marriage
In November 2001, Mary Harney married Brian Geoghegan, a businessman. The ceremony was a low-key event, occurring on a day when she was also attending significant political meetings.
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References
References
- McNamara,Maedhbh. A woman's place is in the Cabinet: women ministers in Irish governments 1919-2019. Drogheda, Sea Dog Books,2020.ISBN 978-1-913275-06-8
- At a time when Ireland held the rotating Presidency of the European Union
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Important Notice
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