Former Minister Gemma Hussey dies aged 86

Former Minister and women’s rights activist Gemma Hussey has died. The 86-year-old passed away following a short illness and was surrounded by her loving family in the care of Gascoigne House Nursing Home.

A former Fine Gael TD, Ms Hussey entered politics in 1981 and the following year served as the first female Minister for Education. She subsequently held the Social Welfare and Labour portfolios and served as government leader in the Seanad.

As Education Minister, she introduced aural and oral exams. After exiting politics in 1989, Ms Hussey was involved in the European Women’s Federation. In a statement, her family said she was “a very proud Europhile” and encouraged women in former Eastern-block countries to become active in politics for the first time.

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Her family said they are deeply proud of her contribution to a better Ireland and a better Europe over a lifetime of service.

Ms Hussey was predeceased by her husband Derry, and is mourned by her children, Rachel, Ruth and Andrew, her seven grandchildren, her brother Paddy and a wide circle of treasured friends.

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