Sir, - The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) wish to join Stephanie Walsh (January 30th) and others in regretting the departure of Maire Geoghegan Quinn from Irish public life.
Maire Geoghegan Quinn pursued important and progressive objectives as a politician, most notably her introduction in 1992 of an act, removing the Victorian criminalisation of homosexuality from our statute books. Her Bill brought Ireland ahead of most of our European counterparts in an important area of civil rights legislation. It set an important standard that ensured the consolidation of the campaigns for social progress for other areas, most notable amongst these were issues relating to women.
The Gay and Lesbian and Women's Movements, of which USI is part, will remember her courage and tenacity, characteristics which she has demonstrated in the discharge of her duties, in whatever capacity she has served. It is a pity that the media, who helped to force the premature retirement of one of Ireland's ablest women politicians, could not have displayed the same respect for personal freedom that she demonstrated when she paved the way for the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
USI wishes her well upon her retirement. Thanks, Maire. - Yours, etc.,
President,
Aontas na Macleinn in Eirinn (Union of Students in Ireland),
1-2 Aston Place,
Temple Bar,
Dublin 2.