File 8 - Campaign correspondence 8

90 pp

Correspondence between Mary Robinson (MR) and public, colleagues and friends, following her nomination as candidate for the Irish Presidential Election (7th November) including messages wishing her luck. Includes letter from photographer Henry Wills, Ballina, County (Co.) Mayo, referring to photographs he took of MR on "the Island" (Inishbofin/Inishturk?) which were used on the election campaign broadcast, and stating he "never felt so politically and personally involved in any election" 02/11/1990; letter from Senator Des Hanafin, Chairman Pro-Life Referendum Campaign committee 1983, to unknown receiver(s?) essentially endorsing either Austin Currie or Brian Lenihan, 02/11/1990; copy of letter from Mary Maher, former Women's Page editor, Irish Times, which she handed in to RTÉ studios to be read by Gay Byrne on his radio show, and which related to comments by Minister for the Environment, Mr Flynn, about MR having a "new" interest in her family image, 04/11/1990*; correspondence with Christopher Kelly re photographs he took of MR in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, on campaign trail which were possible requested by the campaign after the fact, 06/11/1990; good-luck fax from Michael and Maggie O'Boyle, European Court of Human Rights, 05/11/1990;letter from 13 year old wishing MR best of luck, with reply, 02-06/11/1990; letter from PW Kennedy, Weston Aerodrome, wishing MR success, inviting her for flying lessons, and referencing President Hillary who Kennedy had instructed, 05-06/11/1990; letter of thanks from the Gulf Relatives Group, [linked to Irish hostages in Iraq?] for MR visiting them during busy schedule, 02-06/11/1990; letter from Louise Connolly, 11 years old, re mini Presidential election in her school, 28/10-06/11/1990; handwritten letter from Dermot Lacey, Local Labour representative, Pembroke Ward, Dublin, which had enclosed a table cloth sent by Mrs Peggy Daly which she wished to have signed, and photocopy of letter sent to Daly by Imelda Kavanagh for MR, enclosing the signed tablecloth, 19-26/11/1990. File also includes polling card for Dr Aubrey Bourke (MR's father).

[*Archivist's note: this comment was generally considered to have backfired and to have partially contributed to Brian Lenihan losing the election]

Ref: P143/4/1/2/8

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