THREAD: Mary Robinson's rise to become president was extremely suspicious. The fact that her husband Nicholas (pictured), was publicly the second highest ranking Freemason in Ireland makes things even more interesting.

While attending Trinity College, Robinson became a key leader of liberal student politics. She met Nicholas in TCD. Robinson soon became an important "progressive" voice in Irish politics, however she never succeeded in being elected in a general or local election. Instead,

she was repeatedly appointed to the Senate by the TCD University vote. It's somewhat surprising therefore that a candidate who got only 5.01% of the vote in the 1981 General Election should have such a meteoric rise to the Presidency in 1990. (even considering increased

election success for female politicians). The fact that Robinson was seen by many as the president who would liberalise Ireland, ie. "De-Catholicise" it, is worth noting. The Irish Lodge had been attempting to fulfil this aim since the birth of the state.

Robinson's overwhelming support from the Irish media alongside other establishment institutions (which have high Masonic membership) is worth remembering. I'm not claiming Robinson didn't win fairly, but surely it raises the question of Masonic influence over Irish politics?

Of course, social liberalisation and the excitement of electing the first woman played a role, however I believe the role of Masonry shouldn't be dismissed.