Geoghegan-Quinn, Máire (1950–)

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Geoghegan-Quinn, Máire (1950–)

Irish politician. Name variations: Maire Geoghegan; Maire Quinn. Born Sept 5, 1950, in Carna, Co. Galway, Ireland; dau. of John Geoghegan (TD, Galway West, 1954–75); m. John V. Quinn.

Following the death of father, won a by-election representing Fianna Fáil to the 20th Dáil for Galway West (1975–77); returned to 21st-27th Dáil (1977–97); representing the liberal wing of party, supported family planning and, as 1st woman minister of justice (1993–94), helped decriminalize homosexuality; was also minister for Equality and Law Reform (1994), minister for Tourism, Transport & Communications (1992–93), and minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (1987–91); nominated to the European Union Court of Auditors (1999); wrote novel The Green Diamond.