Banotti, Mary (1939–)

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Banotti, Mary (1939–)

Irish politician. Born Mary O'Mahony, May 29, 1939, in Dublin, Ireland; grandniece of Michael Collins (1890–1922, Irish nationalist) and Margaret Collins-O'Driscoll (1878–1945, TD); sister of Nora Owen (TD, Dublin North); m. Giovanni Banotti (sep.).

Began career as a registered nurse; was a social worker with Irish Distillers (1972–84); hosted an RTE tv program on social welfare; elected member of the European Parliament for Dublin (MEP, 1984–1999, 1999–); representing Fine Gael, ran unsuccessfully for the Irish presidency (1997); appointed UN Population Fund Goodwill Ambassador for Ireland (1999), to campaign for reproductive health care and education. Named by the European Environmental Bureau, Brussels, as one of the best legislators in the EP on environmental issues; won Ireland's European of the Year award (1997).