Mary Harney (born 11 March 1953) is an Irish politician and is the current Minister for Health and Children. She is a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin Mid West constituency and served as Tánaiste from 1997–2006, and as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 1997–2004.
She was previously leader of the Progressive Democrats between 1993–2006 and from 2007–08. She resumed her role as leader in 2007 after her successor Michael McDowell lo...
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Mary Harney (born 11 March 1953) is an Irish politician and is the current Minister for Health and Children. She is a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin Mid West constituency and served as Tánaiste from 1997–2006, and as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 1997–2004.
She was previously leader of the Progressive Democrats between 1993–2006 and from 2007–08. She resumed her role as leader in 2007 after her successor Michael McDowell lost his seat in the 2007 general election. She is the longest ever serving female member of Dáil Éireann.
Mary Harney was born in Ballinasloe, County Galway in 1953. Her parents, who lived in nearby Ahascragh, were both farmers but her family moved to Newcastle, County Dublin shortly after her birth. She was educated at the Convent of Mercy, Inchicore and Presentation Convent, Clondalkin before studying at Trinity College, Dublin.
During her time at university she made history by becoming the first female auditor of the College Historical...
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