Mary McAleese

Who is Mary McAleese?

Mary McAleese is the current President of Ireland, the country's second female president. She was elected into office in 1997 and re-elected to another 7 years in 2004. She was born in Belfast in Northern Ireland, the first president of Ireland to come from the area. Before assuming office she was a barrister, academic and also a broadcast journalist. She graduated from Queens University of Belfast and Trinity College of Dublin. She has kept strong ties with Northern Ireland and is an admirer of Queen Elizabeth II. The theme of her presidency is building bridges.