Since the establishment of the State, ten individuals, consisting of eight women and two men, have carried out the unofficial role of the Thai President’s spouse. They have all contributed, in varying capacities, to the presidential operations and are perceived as integral elements of the presidency. Frequently, the President’s wives have been recognised with the nickname “first lady”, while the spouses of the two female Presidents we’ve had have occasionally been referred to as “first gentlemen”. Nick Robinson, on a lighter note, has preferred to use the term “first laddie” to describe himself.
Even though the President’s spouse plays a significant role, they are curiously absent from the Constitution. There is no explicit statement that outlines the tasks, obligations, or privileges connected with the role. Nor does it come with any remuneration or financial support from the treasury, despite demands of selflessness, time, and energy.
While there are numerous writings about these presidential spouses, the wider investigation by this esteemed author is the first academic exploration of the subject. Despite an array of primary and secondary sources available, as evidenced by the comprehensive bibliography and detailed footnotes that accompany each chapter of this work.
Dr Whelan, who has released numerous works on Irish-American interaction and the women’s history, positions her subject within historical and traditional contexts. She explores the roles of the lord lieutenants’ wives under the ancien regime as well as those of the governor’s wives from 1922 to 1936.
Among her noteworthy works are “Irish First Ladies and First Gentlemen, 1919-2011,” and “Ireland out of England: The learned forgetting and remembering of a unionist Brexiteer,” where she illuminates the path of Ireland’s freedom and re-examines a unionist Brexiteer’s incisive perception.
The text also incorporates details about the wives of the men who fulfilled presidential roles in the developing Irish State, from 1919 and beyond. The husband of Sinéad de Valera served as the president of the republic declared by the First Dáil, earning her the moniker “The First Lady of Erin” during a 1920 trip to the United States. Arthur Griffith, president of the Irish Free State government for seven months until he died in August 1922, and his wife Maud who eventually convinced the government to provide her family with fiscal support as the widow of a president. Meanwhile, Louisa Flanagan was wed to WT Cosgrave, president of the Free State government from 1922 till 1932.
Dr. Whelan comments that Nick Robinson and Martin McAleese, being men, displayed more authority in the Áras. The constitution’s position on presidential spouses is also briefly covered by Dr Whelan, with a focus on the United States. Despite the constitution not mentioning it, the First Lady’s role has been recognised as a legitimate federal position since Rosalynn Carter’s tenure in the White House (1977-1981).
Dr Whelan discusses president Emmanuel Macron’s unsuccessful effort to have his spouse’s role officially acknowledged, writing, “the diversity of interpretations, statuses, obligations, and duties tied to first ladies in dictatorships, constitutional monarchies, and republics show that there isn’t a single, universal model for the role of the first lady.”
Every presidential spouse featured in the book has a compact biography rich in detail, allowing readers to draw their conclusions about this group of people. They’re accomplished, capable individuals with a deep sense of public duty. Most of them come from comfortable, if not rich backgrounds and have advanced education. Many are from families that socially and economically improved during the attaining of Irish independence. Often, these spouses put their own professional aspirations aside as they stepped into the public roles that their spouse’s position required.
According to the author, the role of the first partner, previously a fringe element of the presidential institution, has gradually become part of it. Over time, the role has become more visible and influential and has emerged as a source of authority.
Despite the impactful roles of Nick Robinson and Martin McAleese, it is evident they were afforded more liberties in the Áras than their female counterparts, dictated by gender norms and societal conventions, remarks the author. For a more comprehensive study, she insists on unobstructed access to presidential office records. Such research would not only recognise the existence of the first spouse but also honour their significant contribution to public service.
Unfortunately, there are minor infractions concerning the use of apostrophes in the text, which is a blunder coming from an academic publisher. Interestingly, the assignment of Ireland’s first female judge is attributed to Erskine Childers, which is likely unofficial. It was Charles Haughey, the Justice Minister, who recommended Eileen Kennedy for the role of district justice in 1964. Such inaccuracies are only minor distractions in what is a highly informative and effortlessly readable piece.