Overview

'Wise, moving, deeply honest.' MARY McALEESE 'Tender, funny, humane - a memoir of the courage it takes to lead change.' EMILIE PINE 'This is a love story that changed our country forever.' ALI HEWSON During her second year as an Irish government minister, Katherine Zappone's world was upended when her beloved wife, Ann Louise Gilligan, suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrhage. Their partnership had guided landmark Irish battles for marriage equality and reform of Ireland's constitutional ban on abortion. But their greatest challenge now lay before them. As Ann Louise fought for survival, Katherine was embroiled in the cut and thrust of modern Irish politics - including seeking justice for the forgotten children of Tuam, putting her at the heart of Ireland's reckoning with its past. All the while, she faced the quiet devastation of impending loss and, later, the grief that followed. Then, in 2021, came political controversy that would shake her to the core. Love in a Time of Politics is a story of enduring love between two trailblazing women, as well as a rare insider's account of political life in Ireland during a time of seismic social change. With honesty, warmth and wisdom, it reveals how compassion can shape policy, and how conviction can sustain even the most broken heart.

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9781399747943

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Reviews

Wise, moving, deeply honest. Katherine Zappone tells a moving story of the great love she shared with Ann Louise Gilligan and how these two talented, public spirited women were able to change the lives of so many others through their inspirational education projects, their advocacy for women's rights and gay rights and their immersion in complex contemporary politics. Together they helped change Ireland and despite the grief of Ann Louise's untimely death, the spirit of generosity these two remarkable women exemplify still courses generously through Irish life * Mary McAleese * This powerful and compelling memoir charts the lives and loves of two remarkable women and inspiring activists, the late and much loved Ann Louise Gilligan and, her wife, Katherine Zappone, former minister for Children, Disability, and Equality. It offers unique insights into some of the most important moments in the history of early 21st century Ireland, especially the Marriage Equality Referendum (2015) and the Repeal of the Eighth Amendment (2018). Uplifting, moving, and reaffirming, this is a must read memoir * Jane Ohlmeyer * Wise, moving, deeply honest. Katherine Zappone tells a moving story of the great love she shared with Ann Louise Gilligan and how these two talented, public spirited women were able to change the lives of so many others through their inspirational education projects, their advocacy for women's rights and gay rights and their immersion in complex contemporary politics. Together they helped change Ireland and despite the grief of Ann Louise's untimely death, the spirit of generosity these two remarkable women exemplify still courses generously through Irish life * Mary McAleese * This powerful and compelling memoir charts the lives and loves of two remarkable women and inspiring activists, the late and much loved Ann Louise Gilligan and, her wife, Katherine Zappone, former minister for Children, Disability, and Equality. It offers unique insights into some of the most important moments in the history of early 21st century Ireland, especially the Marriage Equality Referendum (2015) and the Repeal of the Eighth Amendment (2018). Uplifting, moving, and reaffirming, this is a must read memoir * Jane Ohlmeyer *

Author Information

Katherine Zappone is the first open, married lesbian in Irish politics. Appointed to the Seanad in 2011, she went on to win a seat in the Dail in 2016 as an Independent Progressive. She negotiated with Fine Gael to join its government and was subsequently appointed Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Katherine brought her convictions and experience as a human rights advocate and educator to her work as a politician, influencing Fine Gael's social agenda for marriage equality and reproductive justice, and prompting its economic agenda to include combating children's poverty and reducing income inequality. She was the first politician to establish a legal entitlement for parents to receive economic support for childcare. Katherine's life-partnership and eventual marriage to her late spouse Ann Louise Gilligan shaped all of her political work. Theirs was an extraordinary love story. Prior to politics, Katherine and Ann Louise were known for the case they took against the Irish state to have their marriage recognized in Ireland. This legal action kick-started the marriage equality movement, resulting ultimately in a constitutional win in 2015.

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