A powerful and intimate account

The remarkable story of a woman who journeyed from working class Catholic West Belfast to the highest office in the Republic of Ireland, and who, shedding most of her own tribal baggage, became a President for all the people of Ireland.





No other Irish president has remained as popular throughout their terms of office. Mary McAleese is a uniquely Irish phenomenon at an unprecedented time in Irish history when peace and prosperity arrived together on an island bedevilled for centuries by great hatreds. She played an active part in the peace process and she became the incarnation of the theme of her presidency, that of building bridges.



This comprehensive title examines Mary McAleese's background and upbringing, her time at Queen's University, her controversial period in RTE, and the road to the presidency.



Recounts Mary McAleese's family's personal experience of the troubles, including the night their house was riddled with bullets. Provides the 'inside story' of the president and her husband's work in the Peace Process, and Martin McAleese's behind-the-scenes work with the loyalist community.



Reveals fascinating facts about Aras an Uachtarain and its occupants, and includes an overview of the seven previous presidents and an analysis of what the presidency means.



Fully illustrated with memorabilia and presidential photographs.