Mary McAleese, the former President of Ireland reads from her memoir. Today, she recalls forging a career in the law, and being one of the first women called to the Bar.
Recollections follow of how daily life changed in Belfast during the early years of the Troubles.

Mary McAleese charts her life story beginning with a happy and boisterous childhood, growing up in the tight knit streets of Belfast in the 50s and 60s, before the start of the Troubles when her family was subjected to brutal violence. At Queen's University she studied law before becoming one of the first women called to the Bar, and laying the groundwork for her run for the presidency in 1997, months before the Good Friday Agreement was signed. One of her last acts as president was hosting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh when they made their historic state visit to Dublin. Not one to rest, after her two terms as President of Ireland she studied for a doctorate in Canon Law to highlight the Roman Catholic Churches failure to protect its children from abuse. Interwoven with intimate glimpses into family life, her memoir is written and read with wit and candour, Mary McAleese's story is one about the pursuit of peace and equality for all.

The music is An Droichead which was composed and performed by Liam O'Flynn for Mary McAleese's inauguration as President of Ireland.

Photo credit - Linda Brownlee
Abridged by Penny Leicester
Produced by Elizabeth Allard Show less