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31/07/2009
Robinson Nominated For Top Honour By Obama
Former president Mary Robinson has been nominated to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States by the American President.
Announcing the award yesterday, President Barack Obama praised Mrs Robinson’s role as Ireland’s first woman president, her career in the Seanad, her tenure as United Nations Human Rights Commissioner and her work on behalf of non-governmental organisations.
Ms Robinson will be among several high profile recipients to be commended by President Obama including South African human rights campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, physicist Stephen Hawking, actor Sidney Poitier and tennis player Billie Jean King, Senator Edward Kennedy and former supreme court justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Mrs Robinson said she was “both humbled and honoured” by the award.
“None of us achieves what we have done without the support of others, so I am aware that many other people share in this honour. It is wonderful to be recognised in such extraordinary company,” she added.
A White House spokesman said Ms Robinson had continued to bring attention to international issues as honorary president of Oxfam International, and chairs the board of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (GAVI Alliance).
"Since 2002, she has been president of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, based in New York, which is an organisation she founded to make human rights the compass which charts a course for globalisation that is fair, just and benefits all,” the spokesman added.
The medal will also be awarded posthumously to former Republican senator Jack Kemp and to Harvey Milk, the openly gay San Francisco politician who was assassinated in 1978 and became the subject of an Oscar-winning film last year starring Sean Penn.
(DW/KMcA)
Announcing the award yesterday, President Barack Obama praised Mrs Robinson’s role as Ireland’s first woman president, her career in the Seanad, her tenure as United Nations Human Rights Commissioner and her work on behalf of non-governmental organisations.
Ms Robinson will be among several high profile recipients to be commended by President Obama including South African human rights campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, physicist Stephen Hawking, actor Sidney Poitier and tennis player Billie Jean King, Senator Edward Kennedy and former supreme court justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Mrs Robinson said she was “both humbled and honoured” by the award.
“None of us achieves what we have done without the support of others, so I am aware that many other people share in this honour. It is wonderful to be recognised in such extraordinary company,” she added.
A White House spokesman said Ms Robinson had continued to bring attention to international issues as honorary president of Oxfam International, and chairs the board of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (GAVI Alliance).
"Since 2002, she has been president of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, based in New York, which is an organisation she founded to make human rights the compass which charts a course for globalisation that is fair, just and benefits all,” the spokesman added.
The medal will also be awarded posthumously to former Republican senator Jack Kemp and to Harvey Milk, the openly gay San Francisco politician who was assassinated in 1978 and became the subject of an Oscar-winning film last year starring Sean Penn.
(DW/KMcA)
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05 August 2009
Jewish Groups Slam Award For Robinson
A pro-Israeli lobby group has slammed the selection of former Irish President to be awarded a civic honour by Barack Obama. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) expressed concern at the award saying Mary Robinson was "anti-Israeli" and described her tenure on the UNHRC as "deeply flawed".
Jewish Groups Slam Award For Robinson
A pro-Israeli lobby group has slammed the selection of former Irish President to be awarded a civic honour by Barack Obama. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) expressed concern at the award saying Mary Robinson was "anti-Israeli" and described her tenure on the UNHRC as "deeply flawed".
09 July 2008
Robinson Warning As Govt Slashes Aid Budget
Former Irish President has warned world leaders they have an obligation to deal with the global food crisis as the Government slashes its international aid. Speaking at a seminar in Dublin marking the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, Mary Robinson said that food is a human right to which every woman, man and child is entitled.
Robinson Warning As Govt Slashes Aid Budget
Former Irish President has warned world leaders they have an obligation to deal with the global food crisis as the Government slashes its international aid. Speaking at a seminar in Dublin marking the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, Mary Robinson said that food is a human right to which every woman, man and child is entitled.
07 November 2012
President Higgins Congratulates Obama
President Michael D Higgins has congratulated Barack Obama on the success on his re-election. He said that he assured him "continued goodwill and best wishes of the people of Ireland".
President Higgins Congratulates Obama
President Michael D Higgins has congratulated Barack Obama on the success on his re-election. He said that he assured him "continued goodwill and best wishes of the people of Ireland".
17 November 2009
Death Penalty Advocated By Former Judge
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Death Penalty Advocated By Former Judge
A senior retired judge has called for the death penalty to be reinstated in certain cases. Mr Justice Richard Johnson, the former High Court president, said in an interview yesterday that the death penalty for certain kinds of murder, for example those committed during armed robberies, should be revisited.
05 July 2019
US Vice President Mike Pence To Visit Ancestral Roots In Ireland
US Vice President Mike Pence is considering a visit to Ireland later this year, according to reports. Mr Pence, who has Irish roots, is expected to visit for three days in September. The Indiana man has family connections in counties Sligo and Clare.
US Vice President Mike Pence To Visit Ancestral Roots In Ireland
US Vice President Mike Pence is considering a visit to Ireland later this year, according to reports. Mr Pence, who has Irish roots, is expected to visit for three days in September. The Indiana man has family connections in counties Sligo and Clare.
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