Joan Burke
Joan T. Burke (née Crowley; 8 February 1928 – 27 November 2016) was an Irish Fine Gael politician, farmer and nurse.[1] She was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fine Gael Teachta Dála (TD) for the Roscommon constituency at the July 1964 by-election caused by the death of her husband James Burke.[1] Her victory made her the first woman to ever represent County Roscommon as a TD, and she was only the fourth woman to represent Cumann na nGaedheal/Fine Gael since the foundation of the state.[2] Burke topped the poll in every single election she ever fought.[3]
Joan Burke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1969 – June 1981 | |
| Constituency | Roscommon–Leitrim |
| In office July 1964 – June 1969 | |
| Constituency | Roscommon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joan T. Crowley 8 February 1928 Bandon, County Cork |
| Died | 27 October 2016 (aged 88) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Spouse(s) | James Burke |
| Children | 2 |
Although sometimes erroneously cited as a native of Tulsk, she was, in fact, a native of Bandon, County Cork. She first came to Tulsk to attend a friend's wedding and while there met James Burke, whom she later married in 1959. At the time of the marriage, James had already been a TD for 5 years. It was in James' native Tulsk the pair settled.[2]
As a TD, Joan Burke was a pronounced opponent of the “marriage bar” which prohibited women in Ireland from working in the public sector if they were married (the mentality of the time being that a married woman's place was in the home). She was also a noted advocate for the rights of farmers.[2]
She retired from politics at the 1981 general election.[2]
See also
References
- "Joan Burke". Oireachtas Members Database. Retrieved 28 April 2009.
- "An Appreciation: Joan Burke". irishtimes.com. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
- "Joan Burke". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 28 April 2009.