1990 Irish presidential election

1990 Irish presidential election was a significant event in the history of Ireland, marking the seventh presidential election in the country. The election was held on November 7 and 8, 1990, and was contested by several candidates, including Mary Robinson, Brian Lenihan, and Austin Currie. The election was notable for being the first time a woman, Mary Robinson, was elected as the President of Ireland, and it marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael being the dominant parties. The election was also influenced by the Taoiseach at the time, Charles Haughey, and the Tánaiste, Brian Lenihan.

Background

The 1990 Irish presidential election was held in the context of a changing Ireland, with the country experiencing significant social, economic, and cultural shifts. The European Union was playing an increasingly important role in Ireland's affairs, and the country was preparing for the Maastricht Treaty. The election was also influenced by the Anglo-Irish Agreement, signed in 1985 by Garret FitzGerald and Margaret Thatcher, which aimed to improve relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Irish Constitution, specifically Bunreacht na hÉireann, outlined the role and powers of the President of Ireland, and the election was an opportunity for the Irish people to choose a new head of state. The Oireachtas and the Dáil Éireann were also important institutions in the election process.

Candidates

The candidates in the 1990 Irish presidential election included Mary Robinson, a Labour Party candidate and a Senator in the Seanad Éireann; Brian Lenihan, a Fianna Fáil candidate and the Tánaiste at the time; and Austin Currie, a Fine Gael candidate and a former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Other candidates included Dana Rosemary Scallon, an independent candidate, and Paddy Keaveney, a candidate from the Independent Fianna Fáil party. The candidates were supported by various parties, including Sinn Féin, the Progressive Democrats, and the Workers' Party of Ireland. The election was also notable for the involvement of Desmond O'Malley, the founder of the Progressive Democrats, and Dick Spring, the leader of the Labour Party.

Campaign

The campaign for the 1990 Irish presidential election was marked by intense debate and discussion, with the candidates focusing on issues such as abortion in Ireland, same-sex marriage in Ireland, and the country's relationship with the European Union. The campaign was also influenced by the X case, a significant court case that highlighted the need for reform in Ireland's abortion laws. The candidates engaged in a series of debates, including a notable debate on RTÉ, the national broadcaster, and the Irish Times and the Irish Independent newspapers played an important role in covering the campaign. The National Women's Council of Ireland and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties were also involved in the campaign, highlighting the need for greater representation of women in politics and the importance of human rights.

Results

The results of the 1990 Irish presidential election were significant, with Mary Robinson winning the election with 817,830 votes, or 51.9% of the total. Brian Lenihan came second, with 694,484 votes, or 43.8% of the total, and Austin Currie came third, with 267,902 votes, or 17.0% of the total. The election was marked by a high turnout, with 64.1% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The results were announced on November 9, 1990, and Mary Robinson was inaugurated as the seventh President of Ireland on December 3, 1990, in a ceremony attended by the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, and other dignitaries, including the Archbishop of Dublin, Desmond Connell.

Aftermath

The aftermath of the 1990 Irish presidential election was significant, with Mary Robinson's election marking a new era in Ireland's politics. The election was seen as a victory for the Labour Party and the Progressive Democrats, and it marked a shift away from the dominance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The election also highlighted the importance of women's representation in politics, and it paved the way for future generations of female politicians, including Mary McAleese and Micheál Martin. The election was also notable for the involvement of Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Féin, and the Socialist Party, which highlighted the need for greater social and economic change in Ireland. The European Parliament and the Council of Europe also played an important role in the aftermath of the election, as Ireland continued to integrate into the European Union. Category:1990 elections