President of Ireland leads tributes to former government minister Gemma Hussey

The President of Ireland has led tributes to former government minister Gemma Hussey, who has died at the age of 86.

The first female to hold the position of minister for education, the former Fine Gael TD was a strong advocate for women’s rights.

President Michael D Higgins said: “A lifelong committed feminist, Gemma Hussey was a passionate advocate and inspiration for the vitally important increase in the number of women serving in our political system.

“As a dedicated and effective government minister, she set a stirring example of the key role which must be held by women in politics.

“In introducing aural and oral exams and establishing the National Parents Council as minister for education, she put in place lasting reforms which have benefited all those who have grown up in Ireland in the succeeding decades.

“Throughout her career, she remained true to her principles and advocated for social reforms at a time when not all of the causes she supported were popular with all parts of Irish society.”

President Higgins said that after her departure from the political front line, Ms Hussey remained an “incisive commentator and an always valuable voice on the political system”.

“May I express my deepest sympathies to Gemma’s children Rachel, Ruth and Andrew, and to all her family, friends and former colleagues,” he added.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris called her a “trailblazer”.

He noted she was Fine Gael’s first female cabinet member.

“Gemma was a passionate progressive for woman’s rights, education reform and Ireland’s place in the world, particularly the potential of European Union membership,” he said.

“Gemma was a TD for my own native Wicklow, where her long service and delivery is remembered to this day.

“But above all Gemma was a patriot, a Fine Gael stalwart and a kind and generous person. I was one of the people lucky to enjoy her company, her advice and her good humour.

“To all of her family, colleagues and friends, l am truly sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.”

Current Education minister Norma Foley also paid tribute, describing Ms Hussey as a “pioneering presence for women in politics”.

“She was a courageous and determined politician who showed the way for women at the highest level in politics,” said the Fianna Fail minister.

“She was highly regarded for the work she did in steering and guiding the development of the Irish education system.”