On 3 December 1990, Mary Robinson was inaugurated as the first female president of Ireland in a ceremony at Dublin Castle. Here is a TV clip from her inauguration speech.
She says that a new Ireland is emerging, one that will be more tolerant and more inclusive. While her primary role will be to represent the Irish state, she would also like to represent the 70 million people around the world who claim Irish descent. She hopes that Áras an Uachtaráin will be a place where representatives of the emigrant communities can meet annually.
Mary Robinson was president from 1990 to 1997. She resigned shortly before her term was due to expire to become UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Exhibition: Women in Irish Society
