It is with regret we announce the passing of ex-Fine Gael politician, Mary Banotti. President Michael D Higgins, amongst others, has recognised her accomplishments and extended his condolences. Ms Banotti, a one-time European Parliament member for Dublin from 1984 to 2004, and a presidential candidate in the 1997 elections for Fine Gael, was 84 years old and had been in poor health.
President Higgins acknowledged Ms Banotti to have made considerable contributions to Irish society, noting her dedication as Dublin’s MEP for two decades and her endorsement of multiple vital causes throughout her life. The President spoke of the privilege of knowing Mary Banotti personally over several years, expressing profound respect for her dedication to key issues.
Mary Banotti, who was the oldest of six children from Clontarf, Dublin, initially worked overseas as a nurse before venturing into politics. A past television presenter, she was a co-founder of Women’s Aid and a chairperson for the Rutland Centre for Drug Abuse. Throughout her political career, she maintained her sense of healthcare and women’s rights, opening Ireland’s initial women’s safe house.
President Higgins expressed his deepest condolences to her daughter Tania, her sister Nora Owen, her larger family, and the numerous colleagues and friends both in Ireland and abroad.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed profound sadness upon learning of Ms Banotti’s death. Describing her as a talented path-breaker in politics and a joy to be with, Mr Harris praised her intelligence, wisdom and her sense of humour. She played a critical role in raising the environmental cause’s profile in European politics, he added.
Furthermore, Mr Harris recognised Ms Banotti as a pioneer in her work for parentally abducted children in the EU, being the first holder of the official role. With humility in her achievemnts that included boundless energy and unique political insight, Ms Banotti had so much to be pleased with, Mr Harris noted.
Besides her notable achievements, Mary Banotti was a sister to Nora Owen, a previous deputy leader of Fine Gael, and was a grandniece to Michael Collins.
The Taoiseach expressed his deepest sympathies to Tania and Nora along with their extended family, following the passing of their mother, Mary. Holding his dearly departed friend in high regard, he shared Mary’s written testimony about the role her mother played in the ambitious upbringing of her six children. Mr. Harris highlighted that not only did Mary fulfil her mother’s dream, but she also exceeded it.
Upon hearing of Ms. Banotti’s demise, Frances Fitzgerald, the MEP for Fine Gael, expressed her profound sadness. She described Mary as a stellar individual who devotedly served Dublin and Ireland in the European Parliament for two decades. Her contribution was simply massive, she stated.
Fine Gael’s TD for Louth/East Meath, Fergus O’Dowd, remembered Mary as a compassionate advocate for a more equitable and just society. He paid tribute to her by wishing her eternal peace.
Mary O’Mahony, who was born in Clontarf, Dublin in May 1939, came from a politically influential family. After her mother Kitty relocated to Dublin following the burning of their family home in Woodfield, Co Cork, Mary exhibited remarkable resilience. Tragedy struck early in her life, with the loss of her father, Jim — a bank clerk and part-time actor — when she was only 10.
Mary left Ireland to train as a nurse in London in the mid-1950s. Her journey took her to the United States, Canada, and later Kenya, where she indulged in humanitarian work. She married an Italian doctor, Giovanni Banotti, and the couple settled in Rhodesia before moving to Rome where their daughter Tania was born. In the aftermath of their marriage ending, Mary and Tania moved back home to Dublin in October 1970.
Once home, Mary took up nursing at Irish Distillers, whilst simultaneously pursuing various social causes. Despite initially failing to secure a government seat during the 1983 by-election and being unsuccessful in the Seanad elections, Mary persevered and was elected to the European Parliament in 1984. She represented the Dublin constituency and notably became a runner-up to former president Mary McAleese in the 1997 presidential elections.
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