1. Gemma Hussey was an Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Minister for Social Welfare from 1986 to 1987, Minister for Labour from January 1987 to March 1987, Minister for Education from 1982 to 1986, Leader of the Seanad and Leader of Fine Gael in the Seanad from 1981 to 1982.
Gemma Hussey served as a Teachta Dala for the Wicklow constituency from 1982 to 1989.
Gemma Hussey served as a Senator for the National University from 1977 to 1982.
An advocate for women's rights, Gemma Hussey worked to increase female representation in politics and highlighted gender issues in broadcasting as a member of the Working Party on Women in Broadcasting.
Additionally, Gemma Hussey campaigned throughout the 1980s for the legalisation of divorce, a highly divisive issue at the time.
Gemma Hussey was a committed Europhile and supporter of the European Union.
Gemma Hussey Moran was born in Bray, County Wicklow, in 1938.
Gemma Hussey was educated at Loreto College, Foxrock and at University College Dublin.
Gemma Hussey had a successful career running a language school in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Gemma Hussey married Derry Hussey in 1964, and they had 3 children.
From 1973 onwards, Gemma Hussey was a key member of the Women's Political Association, a non-partisan organisation which focused on increasing women's representation in Irish politics.
Gemma Hussey was elected by the National University to Seanad Eireann, serving in the upper house of the Oireachtas, from 1977 until 1982.
Gemma Hussey sat as an Independent Senator for the first three years, before joining Fine Gael.
Gemma Hussey then served as Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Women's Affairs from 1981 to 1982.
Gemma Hussey went on to be the party leader in the Seanad and leader of the Seanad from 1981 to 1982.
Gemma Hussey played a role in advocating for gender equality within Irish media, particularly focusing on RTE.
Gemma Hussey was first elected to Dail Eireann on her second attempt, at the February 1982 general election, as a Fine Gael TD for Wicklow.
However, third-level enrolments were increasing rapidly and Gemma Hussey secured increased funding for higher education at a time of severe spending cutbacks.
Gemma Hussey responded that she had to do clinics three days every week to hold on to her seat as a TD.
Gemma Hussey retired from politics at the 1989 general election.
An enthusiastic Europhile, Gemma Hussey spent a lot of her time promoting the advancement of women in politics around the European Union.
In 2015, during the public debates held before the 2015 referendum on Marriage Equality in Ireland, Gemma Hussey called for a yes vote, and for the legislation of abortion.
Gemma Hussey died following a short illness on 26 November 2024, at the age of 86.