When strangers see two-and-a-half-yearold Saoirse out and about, they often ask her mother "is she yours?" followed by "how are you coping?"
Old assumptions die hard in the Republic, but Saoirse is a symbol of the thriving, new diversity. She has an African father and an African half-sister who is nearly the same age as she is. Saoirse's mother, Fiona Godfrey, is an artist in architectural glass and the daughter of a Church of Ireland rector, based in Cavan. When Fiona fell in love with Saoirse's father, a physiotherapist, she felt that she was ready to have a child and was committed to being a mother working exclusively inside the home. After Saoirse was born, Saoirse's father became torn between his former life in Africa, where his former girlfriend was expecting a child, and his life here. Fiona decided to end the relationship amicably, rather than to wonder constantly when she would see Saoirse's father. "I separated myself emotionally from him and just got on with it. I found it easier because I was so positive about having Saoirse."
Today, Fiona is very happy, and while her parents were concerned that she would not have the love and support of a partner, Fiona has found a supportive circle of friends who are as close as family. Simon, a platonic pal, is "totally devoted" to Saoirse, and is almost like a father to her. Fiona shares a house with another single mother who has a young child, and the two swap babysitting duties, as well as discussing mutual concerns. Fiona's sister has a baby girl close in age to Saoirse, and the two cousins see each other often. Fiona also receives "tremendous support" from Cherish, an organisation for single parents, and she is active on the board. Fiona is devoted to Saoirse and is committed to working solely inside the home. "I can only be the best mum I can be. I'm so choosy about how Saoirse would be brought up that I could not trust her with anyone else," says Fiona.
Because Fiona has no income other than social welfare, it can be difficult to make ends meet. She lives on £88.70 per week in social welfare payments, and her rent, which is subsidised, costs £28 per month. Mother and daughter have no TV and live simply, although their large apartment in Sandycove, Co Dublin does have a sea view. Saoirse has a Christmas tree this year because Fiona found one in a charity shop for £3 - but it's the quality, not the cost, of her life that matters to Fiona. "I don't feel that caring for my daughter full-time is a sacrifice," says Fiona. "It's an investment - she's such a happy little person, that will make her a happy older person."
