The first woman elected as President of Ireland (1990-1997), Mary Robinson has been credited with transforming the role with a presidency of inclusiveness, equality and peace building, and with creating an important dialogue at home and overseas about Ireland and the Irish Diaspora.

As a barrister advocating human rights and women’s equality in the Irish and European Courts, an academic and as a member of the Irish Senate representing the University of Dublin (Trinity College) constituency from 1969-1989, Mary Robinson’s work played a pivotal role in shaping modern Ireland.