Tributes paid to former Fine Gael minister Gemma Hussey after her death aged 86

LAST UPDATE | 5 hrs ago

FORMER FINE GAEL minister Gemma Hussey has died aged 86, her family announced this evening.

The former politician died after a short illness in Gascoigne House Nursing Home in Rathmines, surrounded by her family.

A native of Bray, Co Wicklow, Hussey entered politics in 1977, initially as an Independent senator. 

Three years later, she joined Fine Gael and served in various roles while in government, including Minister for Labour, Minister for Social Welfare, Minister for Education, and Government Leader in the Seanad. 

Hussey wrote two books following her retirement from politics in 1989: At the Cutting Edge: Cabinet Diaries 1982-1987, and Ireland Today: An Anatomy of a Changing State. 

In her family’s statement, they said: “Gemma’s passion throughout her life was the advancement of women in politics and in all walks of life.

“She was a very proud Europhile and after exiting politics in 1989 she immersed herself in the European Women’s Federation, encouraging women in former Eastern-block countries to become active in politics for the first time.

“Her family is deeply proud of her contribution to a better Ireland and a better Europe over a lifetime of service.”

Gemma 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, her family said.

Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris described Gemma as a “trailblazer” and noted that she was the state’s first female Minister for Education and Fine Gael’s first female Cabinet minister.

“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,” said Harris.

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Harris added that her “long service and delivery is remembered to this day” in his native Wicklow.

“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,” said Harris.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Helen McEntee described Gemma as a “pioneering politician who was inspired to enter public life by her involvement in the women’s movement”.

“Women in politics today owe a lot to Gemma and the female politicians of her generation,” said McEntee, who further remarked that Gemma “made a significant contribution to the European Women’s Federation, helping to empower women in the former eastern bloc countries”.

Elsewhere, President Michael D Higgins remarked that Gemma was a “lifelong committed feminist” and 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,” said Higgins.

“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.

“In the years since her departure from frontline politics, Gemma Hussey remained an incisive commentator and an always valuable voice on the political system,” said Higgins.

Minister for Education, Norma Foley, paid tribute to her Hussey, who had become the first woman in the role in 1982. 

“She was a courageous and determined politician who showed the way for women at the highest level in politics. She was highly regarded for the work she did in steering and guiding the development of the Irish education system,” Foley said.

“She helped not only Irish women, but women across Europe as well. My deepest sympathies to her family, her friends, her colleagues in the Fine Gael party, and especially her children Rachel, Ruth and Andrew.”

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