Tributes paid as 'pioneering' Gemma Hussey dies aged 86

President Michael D Higgins has led the tributes to the former minister and noted advocate for women's rights, Gemma Hussey, who has died at the age of 86.

Ms Hussey died following a short illness.

A former Fine Gael TD, she held several senior ministerial portfolios having entered politics in 1977 following a business career.

President Higgins said that Gemma Hussey 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."

He praised the "stirring example" she gave "of the key role which must be held by women in politics."

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said that he was lucky to have known Ms Hussey, who he described as a "trailblazer".

"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 in a statement.

"But above all Gemma was a patriot, a Fine Gael stalwart and a kind and generous person."

The party's deputy leader, Helen McEntee, noted that Ms Hussey "was the first woman to hold the position of Minister for Education, and was the only woman serving at Cabinet in the period 1982-87."

"Women in politics today owe a lot to Gemma and the female politicians of her generation."

Cabinet roles

Gemma Hussey served as Minister for Education between 1982 and 1986 and subsequently held the Social Welfare and Labour portfolios.

She also served as government leader in the Seanad from 1981 to 1982.

During her tenure leading the Department of Education, she introduced aural and oral exams, and set up the National Parents Council as well as making changes to the post-primary curriculum.

Ms Hussey was also a member of the Working Party on Women in Broadcasting.

In 1981, she presented a submission to the RTÉ Authority and senior management on the stereotyping of women in the media, sexism and gender imbalance in Irish broadcasting.

Gemma Hussey was a strong supporter of legislating for divorce in Ireland, and campaigned in favour of a yes vote in the 1986 referendum, which was defeated.

Until 1978, she had served as a director on the board of the Abbey Theatre.

After leaving politics in 1989, she was involved in the European Women's Federation, and encouraged women in former eastern bloc countries to become active in politics for the first time.

In a statement, Gemma Hussey's family said that she had been a "very proud Europhile".

"Her family is deeply proud of her contribution to a better Ireland and a better Europe over a lifetime of service," they added.

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 friends.