Categories: AllEurope Leaders

President of Ireland

Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland (takes office on Nov 11, 2011)

Campaigner, poet, politician – Michael D Higgins is widely regarded as a principled, eloquent and passionate public figure and statesman.

Michael D was born into humble circumstances in Limerick, and raised in Clare by a family who paid a huge price during the tumultuous events of the foundation of the state. After years spent as a clerk with the ESB, Michael D became the first in his family to go to university. There he found the language and the ideas to articulate the deep sense of social justice and hunger for equality that he had developed as a young man. This powerful symmetry – between the instincts of the heart and the ideas of the head – has been a hallmark of Michael D’s public life.

As a young academic, Michael D strove to ensure that people of a similar background to himself had the opportunity to access education and travelled, with colleagues, to towns and villages throughout the west of Ireland providing outreach courses. The social exclusion, emigration and poverty that he experienced and witnessed led Michael D to more direct political involvement, where he could argue and advocate for real change, both social and economic.

Dedicated to serving the people, Michael D. has been elected to Galway City and County Council, Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann. He has served with distinction as Mayor of Galway, President of the European Council of Culture Ministers and as one of the country’s most innovative and visionary Cabinet Ministers.

As our first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Michael D. made brave decisions which continue to benefit Ireland. His achievements include establishing TG4, reinvigorating the Irish film industry, the ending of the Section 31 censorship regime, investment in new public museums, such as Collins Barracks and the Chester Beatty Library, the setting up of a network of local arts venues and theatres right across Ireland and the revitalisation of our waterways, including reconnection of the Royal and Grand Canals. In his ambitions for film, music and culture in all its forms, Michael D. recognised creativity as an integral part of our lives which can play a vital role in our social and economic development.

Michael D. has been to the forefront of campaigns for progressive change on equal pay for women, access to contraception, divorce, the rights of people with disabilities and many other important issues. He often argued for these reforms in the face of a conservative consensus, and has often paid a high electoral price for standing up bravely for what he believes.

He has been a consistent voice for equality, the elimination of poverty and a ‘citizenship floor’ of basic rights and participation below which no citizen should fall. A feminist, Michael D, often together with his wife Sabina, has in particular fought for women’s rights in Ireland and abroad.

Internationally, Michael D. has campaigned for justice and peace and supported humanitarian projects in countries including Nicaragua, El Salvador, Cambodia, Iraq, Somalia and Chile. He was awarded the first Seán McBride International Peace Prize by the Zurich-based International Peace Bureau in recognition of his international human rights work.

A renowned author, poet and speaker, Michael D. has a deep commitment to and connection with the Irish language. He also has a lifelong passion for sport and is a strong supporter of gaelic football and hurling as well as being President of Galway United FC.

Enda Kenny, Prime Minister of Ireland (since Mar 9, 2011)

Prime Minister of Ireland

Enda Kenny was elected as Taoiseach on March 9th 2011
He was elected Leader of Fine Gael in June 2002. Since then, he has rebuilt the party. Under his leadership Fine Gael has gained seats in every single location.
In the general election in 2011 Fine Gael won 76 seats, becoming the largest party in the Dáil.
In the local elections in 2009 Fine Gael won 340 seats, becoming the largest party at local level for the first time in history.
Enda has represented the people of Mayo as a Fine Gael member of Dáil Éireann since 1975.
He served as Minister for Tourism and Trade from 1994 – 1997, overseeing an unprecedented growth in tourism business and Ireland’s trade position internationally.
He was Minister for State at the Department of Education, Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Western Development, Youth Affairs and Sport.

Some other facts on Enda

  • Enda is married to Fionnuala. They have 3 teenage children, Aoibhinn, Ferdia and Naoise.
  • He enjoys hillwalking, cycling, golf, has climbed Croagh Patrick over 100 times and Kilimanjaro for charity.
  • He played for, managed and coached his local team Islandeady GAA for many years to County Championship victories.
  • He looks forward to and enjoys annual family holidays in Kerry.
  • He reads a lot, including Irish and military history.
  • He is a fluent Irish speaker.
  • He is a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen.
  • His late father Henry Kenny won All Ireland Football honours with Mayo in 1936 and his father in law with Kerry in 1953.

 

Mary McAleese, Former President of Ireland

Mary McAleese, President of Ireland

On 11th November, 1997, Mary McAleese was inaugurated as the eighth President of Ireland. Mary McAleese was re-elected on Friday 1st October 2004 being the only validly-nominated candidate. She is a barrister and former Professor of Law. Born on June 27th 1951 in Belfast, she is the first President to come from Northern Ireland. She is married, since 1976, to Dr. Martin McAleese, an accountant and dentist. They have three children, Emma, born 1982 and twins Justin and SaraMai, born 1985.

The eldest of nine children, President McAleese grew up in Northern Ireland through the violent times that have come to be known as ‘The Troubles’. Her family was one of many adversely affected by the conflict. She graduated in Law from the Queen’s University of Belfast in 1973 and was called to the Northern Ireland Bar in 1974. In 1975, she was appointed Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology and Penology at Trinity College Dublin and in 1987, she returned to her Alma Mater, Queen’s, to become Director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies. In 1994, she became the first female Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Queen’s University of Belfast.

President McAleese is an experienced broadcaster, having worked as a current affairs journalist and presenter in radio and television with Radio Telefís Éireann. She has a longstanding interest in many issues concerned with justice, equality, social inclusion, anti-sectarianism and reconciliation. The theme of her Presidency is ‘Building Bridges’

Among the other appointments she has held are;

  • Director of Channel 4 Television.
  • Director, Northern Ireland Electricity
  • Delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Trade and Investment in Ireland and to the follow up Pittsburg Conference in 1996.
  • Member of the Catholic Church delegation in 1996 to the North Commission on Contentious Parades.
  • Member of the Catholic Church Episcopal Delegation to the New Ireland Forum in 1984.
  • Founder member of the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas.
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  • The picture you have of
    Enda Kenny, Prime Minister of Ireland

    is in fact

    Victor Joseph Garber (born March 16, 1949) who is a Canadian film, stage and television actor and singer.

    Suggest you correct this.

  • On the day of 7 July, to German workers Association (G.W.A.);

    I have sent via email to the Premier of oil rich Alberta.

    Mr Ed Stelmach is aware of my need as stated and mailing yesterday great nation people in Germany!

    Please, pure and clean as Berlin with the Aryan history beer; interrupt close and fat for me as a friend!

    Passage and a man is in one of clean and bronze lamps is Mr. Donald Trump. I read his book: "The Art of the Deal;".

    To de-Humanize; as in the art of the German and English Funk & Wagnalls p. 167; is printed... "People (Catholics) human qualities... to avoid:"!
    Never is German or English, a policy. Thank you for reading of important information.

    Manhattan is near Berlin! This magnet of the company caused rare for investment. As the new high German Aryan order; Housing is an independent State.
    So is this Germany! Trump (Mr.)-Plaza accepts German and Russian for tea and cakes called pie! Contain Hungary.
    The hotel (Trump;) My name means English: SIMON.); is only the host not criminals. I've never had one. nor my (SIMON); FAMILY!

    The Roman Catholic Church is not. The Roman Catholic Cathedral is in this fine book! Please baptized a Saint and Holy confirmed friend, Mr. Donald Trump John; The offer is the nuns and priests of the Catholic Church; I was most of my mother, Mrs Margaret ban MI; (Holy Catholic and Roman); This is the purple heart, only!

    After our (Mrs Janet Ellen Simon Couptial); Reception line went Korean Christian Assembly! The Trump business benefits to men and women, drive and independence; as America is great! Upper State is America with Texas! If not Alberta owns oil rights not of this world! This I can be with my mother Catholics home show! Lately, I miss oil discovery and also a nice American Armenian way.

    What Germany and the strong United States and should welcome proud American, the Roman and Catholic "cap-off and win!" is

    "A time to act:" is a great victory in what has occurred! The exclusive and caring Mr Lyndon B. Johnson wrote: "in twenty large the largest companies on projects, to open doors, be diligent that never before the open have company...;" and this is the point of my Holy baptized and confirmed holy text!

    Eighteen are one day and my son my daughter of fourteen. No man or woman with from the camp of the Holy Cross and test purple heart will have wind to victory as I sail!

    As for women who do not compare still Compass I will be the day!

    Funny, a Word is the comic relief! For this man of's legacy to free Texan sky explaining: "We the landlord of the United States to do not acknowledge that o there landlord Outerspace, which can assume collective bargaining with the (N) Nations of the Earth (E) on the price ($) access of this new domain." (?)!

    I am saying in clearly know the the book: "Chariots of the gods;" was promising new Valley!

    Ibsen of Genesis: as in the Swedish writer and comparable with Mr. Trump and Mr Lyndon in care of people. my interpretation is:

    The OWL in the new; and Lions no man or woman 'un clean;' enforce the Grand;
    AND AMERICA HAS AND I LIVE HERE!

    -30-

  • The above was translated by the Progam called Bing and a bigot! I reversed the orignal communication! My whole programming since being accepted as Roman Catholic to Telus Internet plus dubious jelous charlatans who are sick with no military threat in feature nor inherit for being non communist nor abiding Democrat are to me not a friend!

    My attendance is for victory as a celebrated writer!

    Never in all my 50+ years as a crime free and invaluable man who truly loves his own family Roman Catholic am I interested in poor programmers of bigotry!

    Again I state with pure German, Berlin and English, London and Austin, Texan, American by Calvary Roman Catholic WIN; whom ever is transed, please deed me with my shirt off!!

    I am celebate; heterosexual and law abiding with a total respect for the MILITARY!

    I thank you if any Bing Translator impressed a indearing message unstated here!

    All the best to all concerned!

  • October 22nd, 2011

    Mr. Alexander Simon,
    Professional-Marketer & Writer,
    Sir William Place Building Block “C,”
    Apartment #305, 8820 – 85 Street,
    Edmonton, Alberta T6C 3C2
    Canada.

    Telephone: (780) 466-9719.
    *In-coming calls accepted,
    @2p.m.; only, please!

    Attention: Regarding the Circus of the Stars Concert in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_Stadium_(Edmonton); was open to a audience of 71,002; people and Human me; I had my rare “ticket” stolen from my Roman Catholic mother’s home! Also stormed is a rare thyme to meet one of the greatest opera in disguise; a feared killer in soar Mr. David Bowie in the Union pay of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees; pay and I sat in hot Autumn sun; and enjoyed my new tan and meeting a great singer and English sounding with Wales money! This was year of 1984!
    THE FIVE BAND WELL AND SAID POOR BY COMMUNISTS!
    http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/sport_recreation/history-of-commonwealth-stadiu.aspx; Clarke Stadium was used for more than just football. It had a track and in 1947 Edmonton hosted the Canadian Track and Field Championships.! The Hudson Bay Company I wish to say in rare Edmonton pay with $50.00 and my friend Mr. Norman M. Gee; I viewed with my other 39 years (+); the Concert with an opening band … I we wished cooler of brew before attending! The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica, guitar), and Keith Richards (guitar, vocals). Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up; as proven by The Scotland Yard and promoted more by The Federal Bureau of Investigation; and some what managed by the Royal Canadien Police Enactment of Canadian Stage! I enjoyed the electrical out-charge and found five horses running in charge! “In 2005, the Stones announced plans for another world tour starting 21 August at a press conference and a mini concert at the Juilliard School in New York.”
    Well, work for five people hard at their Trade! (So, am; I; hear my Sicilian sing) in Roman Catholic; style!
    One Concert that “starred;” amazing needing W.E.B. show is the Concert that “opened;” all electrical energetic talent to the Austin, Texas of America by Holy Baptized and Holy Confirmed Calvary win -- Circus of the Stars!
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Alberta_Hospital is where in my Edmonton as said by the win #1-Calvary bright men and woman hire me on February 15th, on 1981 by a lady with nice cool disposition and gave me a opportunity to up-hold a Union-A.U.P.E.! (Mrs. E. Rolex!) This allowed me a entry to attend the one of the Stadium most valued and respected by the Mayor of (Edmonton); created Rock-Shower of entertainment marketing electors ever!
    Mrs Foss left the Stadium I feel seeing this kind woman to ensure I met my work the following; day (she re-married) and Hi!
    THE FIVE ALIVE AND ELECTRICAL HOT!
    1} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trooper_(band) opened! And wearing the Toronto Maple Leafs “coat;”! "Raise a Little Hell", "We're Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time)", "The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car", "General Hand Grenade"; and said performance was alluded!
    2} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Frampton opened, as well ! And wearing the Toronto Maple Leafs “coat;”! "Raise a Little Hell", "We're Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time)", "The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car", "General Hand Grenade"; and said performance was alluded! "Baby, I Love Your Way", "Do You Feel Like We Do; and some pentecostal poor; yelled “fag:” I don’t agree! (provide me a true reason why in Edmonton ((really, Austin)))!
    3} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_(band) ‘exploded, following Mr. Frampton’s songs
    http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/heart.html; shows some collide with one lady is know by meeting in audience (as Ms Liona Boyd); roared “A Magic Man! Ms Ann Wilson looks bold blonde and not dead bread butted! More to say true; a Ms Nancy Wilson is never ported on communist sing this I can confer and please me do my a gravel; with two left bands to play; why did a drunken sleep take the drink of Mr. (Roman Catholic Holy Baptised and Holy Confirmed Calvary #-1 Jack Daniels Whiskey and sleep and ignore the whole event?
    4} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Tickets_to_Paradise; is Mr. Eddie Money’s and by registered by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Music_Entertainment; new to the Stadium!
    HOUSE BELL!
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixon_House_Band; The Dixon House Band was a prog-rock/pop group based in Seattle, Washington in the late 1970s. It issued one album on New York City-based Infinity Records in 1979 entitled Fighting Alone and had a minor chart hit with the song "Sooner Or Later". Last find of closing … a band of Dixon arrives at the last enter to the Stadium …MCA Music Entertainment Group; Master-Catholic-Austin; would not pay less than $1-Million for the attendance and for some charity by the Mayor at the time to pay for all attendance and cost of Edmonton; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Cavanagh who was not presiding then elected Edmonton’s voted the Common-Wealth true to military code of Austin!
    TODAY I LOOK WHERE THIS MAGNIFICIENT PLAY IS STADIUM!
    With the day from Union (A.U.E.P.) support and full time employment; can we bring another win to Edmonton including my hire full time and relocate my Roman Catholic family (Simon); to higher status!
    The Wizard of Rexall Concert is the next send to sail of power pay!
    “Dubbed the Chariot of Concert; nine ‘new;’ bands I want here!
    1. The Vipers of Calgary!
    2. The Roemantics of Calgary!
    3. New Blade of Ireland!
    4. The Brigg of Ireland
    5. The Panzers; of Germany!
    6. The Deuie; of Scotland; near!
    7. The Big Ginny; from Alberta (Texas, here by Calvary War Win; All Roman Catholic;):
    8. The Fairies; of the Blue Registry!
    9. The Sparitz! of Berlin, Germany!

    An now a “lore conge”;
    The Opera of Xelor:

    “Big and mighty Hi;
    Open River blue and clean,
    Why The $ is Forney;
    And Catholic men love
    Women (s) ! only love is true Roman Man!

    Love begins with Baby Blue ore;
    Purple wing Green is friend also,
    And loving hand of Red in (skull);
    Have a new Day with Mom-to-sing!

    Laugh, like new Kids on-the-Block;
    Like Man-Hat and early work!
    Fight and kill infidels;
    As Roman Cathedral fist always win; (War!),

    Tremble all wear of day and wear the
    Military the longer of fighting and winning
    The marked Devils surely maiden taste (sour) for wedding!

    Please reside in love and not deceit!

    Consider an Opera here:
    The Common Wealth Stadium;
    Renamed soon:
    Xelor (Cathedral) Presidium!

    XX

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