Bridget Redmond

Bridget Mary Redmond (; 30 October 1904 – 3 May 1952) was an Irish Cumann na nGaedheal and Fine Gael politician, as well as a member of Eoin O'Duffy's radical Blueshirts paramilitary. Thrust into politics by the sudden death of her husband in 1932, Redmond would go on to have a twenty-year career in Irish politics during a period in which it was extremely rare for women to hold public office.

Early life Bridget Mary Mallick was born to John Mallick, landowner, hotelier, and racehorse owner, and Bridget Mallick (née Sex), both of the Curragh in County Kildare. Growing up, she studied at an Ursuline school in Waterford City between 1916 and 1922, where she earned the nickname "Tiny" due to her small stature. The nickname would stick with her for the rest of her life, with family, friends and supporters all using the moniker. A talented singer and sportswoman, she lived the typical life of the daughter of wealthy landowners until her marriage to Captain William Redmond on 18 November 1930. The only son of one of the most well-known politicians in Ireland in that era, John Redmond, William was introduced to Bridget by mutual friends. Despite an eighteen-year age gap between the two, she was reportedly devoted to William. William, who had served with the British Army during World War I, successfully followed his recently deceased father into politics immediately afterwards. She would always accompany William during his elections and his constituency work, unknowingly acquiring knowledge she'd soon need.

Political career

Less than two years into their marriage, William died suddenly on 17 April 1932. It would be the beginning of a 20-year career in the Dáil as she was re-elected at every subsequent election until her death in 1952. Over the course of her career, she would increase her share of the vote in every single election she fought.

Over the course of her career in the Dáil, Redmond was most active when commentating on legislation affecting housing and social conditions. Other areas she was involved with were education, the place of women in the 1937 constitution and on the declaration of an Irish republic in 1948. She was 47 at the time and had been ill for a number of weeks. Her death brought an end to sixty-one years of parliamentary representation in Waterford by the Redmond family.