Material in this subsubseries relates to the Labour party in the 1970s and Mary Robinson (MR)'s membership from 1976 onwards. It consists of four files covering Labour policies (P143/2/1/1); material relating to the General Election of 1977 and subsequent Seanad Éireann [Irish Senate] elections (P143/2/1/1/2); material relating to the Labour Party European Affairs Committee (P143/2/1/1/3) and local elections in 1979 (P143/2/1/1/4).

MR was already an elected member of Seanad Éireann when she joined the party in 1976 but successfully ran as a Labour candidate in 1977 on the Dublin University Panel (See P143/2/2/1), following her defeat in the General Election. She retained her Seanad seat, following her unsuccessful run in the local elections in 1979.

[Archivist's note: A Seanad election takes place up to 90 days after Dáil Éireann [lower house of Irish parliament] has dissolved. This means that the new Dáil has assembled before the Seanad election takes place. Often candidates who were unsuccessful in the general election who were eligible to run for the Seanad, would do so, or would get nominated as part of the Taoiseach's nominees. (49 of the Seanad’s 60 members are elected and 11 are nominated by the Taoiseach.) Of the 49 elected members, 43 are elected from panels of candidates representing specified vocational interests. The remaining 6 members are elected by university graduates of certain universities. MR was elected through the Dublin University [Trinity College Dublin] panel as one of 3 places on offer.]

Large envelope labelled "265 Labour Party European Affairs Committee". Material includes photocopy of "Euroforum", 05/07/1977 which relating to Europeans going to the polls within the year; photocopy of Labour Party European Affairs Committee (EAC) discussion papers on "The Enlargement of the European Community", and "Direct Elections to the European Parliament", Tony Brown, European Affairs Advisor, 24/10/1977; European Communities report drawn up on behalf of the Political Affairs Committee "on the granting of 'special rights' to the citizens of European Community in implementation of the decision of the Paris Summit of December 1974...", 25/10/1977; EAC memorandum on "Constituencies for the Direct Elections to the European Parliament", Tony Brown, 28/11/1977 and his discussion paper on "Major Policy Points in the Common Election Manifesto of the Confederation...", 05/12/1977; photocopy of Federation of Christian-Democratic Parties of the European Community draft political programme, 09/12/1977; Mary Robinson (MR)'s handwritten notes; EAC minutes 03/01/1978, 27/01/1978, 14/02/1978, 21/03/1978, 05/07/1978; circulars to members of EAC 05/01-13/07/1978; EAC note on "Selection Procedures for Direct Elections", and on "Strategy and Policy Considerations in the European Direct Elections Campaign", Tony Brown, 16/01/1978; photocopy of draft "Election Manifesto for the Social democratic Parties in the European Community"; typed report of meeting of the Bureau of the Confederation, Luxembourg, 19/01/1978; typed brief on "Progress with other 'Euro-parties'", Luxembourg, 24/01/1978; photocopy of EAC draft submission on "Selection Procedures for Direct Elections", Tony Brown, 31/01/1978 and his memorandum on "Proposed Programme of Activities", 06/02/1978; photocopy of Fine Gael political programme, as part of the European People's Party [Federation of Christian-Democratic Parties of the European Community]; photocopy of typed Labour Party Policy Statement for Direct Elections; EAC provisional budget for European Direct Elections Activity, 1978", and "Draft Timetable for European Direct Elections Activity, 1978", Tony Brown, 16/05/1978; memorandum on "The International Policy of the Labour Party", 26/05/1978; EAC "Additional Items for Draft Checklist for European Direct Elections Campaign", and report "on Europe-Constituency Meetings in Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Tuam", Tony Brown, 17/07/1978; newspaper cutting on Fianna Fáil [another political party] in talks with European partners, 11/01/1978.

Large envelope labelled: "267 Elections - local 1979" [held on 07/06/1979]. Material includes photocopies of registers of electors for Dublin Rathmines West in force from 01/04/1979-14/04/1980; typed list of polling districts and handwritten list of polling stations; blank vote tally sheets; photocopy of handwritten list of houses, flats to canvass in constituency; sample of form allowing another to attend as agent at issuing of postal ballot papers; list of Labour Subagents and PAs for each polling place; Labour Party instructions to sub-agents, completed volunteer information sheets for canvassers etc. and list of names with some telephone details for same; photocopy of survey of sample voters, April 1979; typed document "A Declaration for Dublin - Labour's election programme for Dublin and Dubliners 1979"; circular from Returning Officer to candidates on when ballot boxes, including those for postal voters, would be opened, 04/05/1979; "Europe and the electorate", flyer on Labour Party Special conference, Dublin, 06/05/1979; photocopy of report on "Local and European Campaign Dublin Area No. 9"; various reports on the election campaign [summer?] 1979; photocopy of signed agreement between 15 Fine Gael members and 11 Labour members of the City Council of Dublin in relation to Fine Gael nominee for Lord Mayor, 18/06/1979; handwritten letter and response from Mary Robinson in relation to Clontarf East Branch of Labour party supporting her should she wish to seek a nomination in the Dublin North Central Constituency at the following General Election, 22-26/06/1980; copy of Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 1980; posters "What is the European Parliament?" x 2, and map of constituencies in Ireland for European Parliament Election, 07/06/1979; various maps of the constituencies and in particular Rathmines West; Guide for Women Voters, compiled by the Women's Political Association; booklet on Labour Party Final Agenda Special conference, December 1978; and booklet from EUSO [Socialist Group European Parliament], December 1978; newspaper cuttings relating to the election, 08/02/1978-11/06/1979.

Material includes correspondence relating to symposium on "The Common Agricultural Policy - it's future Development", 30/05-21/06/1980; copy of typed draft of resolution for consideration by the Labour Party European Affairs Committee (EAC) relating to cuts in the Regional Development Fund which government had agreed to, 19[80?]; photocopy of Labour Party "Programme for Government 1981-1986"; Labour Party International Affairs Committee (IAC) draft policy statement "Disarmament", Tony Brown, International Secretary, 03/1981 and "draft Policy Statement on South Africa, 11/1981 [the EAC may have become the IAC]; agenda for IAC meeting, 18/05/1982 with resolution attached on Irish Apartheid Movement; North East Labour News newsletters October 1982, November/December 1982; circulars to members including from Labour Party Leader, Dick Spring, 09/12/1982.

Material includes circulars to Labour parliamentary party administration council, 15/02/1983; circulars to branch, regional and constituency secretaries, 28/02/1983, 22/06/1983, 18/12/1983; circulars to The Association of Labour Councillors Steering Committee [MR Dublin City Councillor at this stage?], 09/03/1983; Labour Party Leader's newsletters, April 1983, [?]/1983, 10/1983; circulars to Labour party members 27/06/1983; circular to various councils within Labour party, 08/09/1983; photocopies of correspondence between Alan M Dukes, Minister for Finance and Brendan Halligan, MEP [Minister of European Parliament], in relation to submission of plans for economic and social development of Dublin region, 20-26/09/1983; circular to deputies, senators and MEPs from Pat Duffy, Labour Party Financial Director in relation to upcoming Bye-election, the first since change of leadership of party, 21/10/1983; letter from Labour Youth to Dick Spring, Leader of Labour Party in relation to commitment to re-open Clondalkin Mill, 08/11/1983; receipt for donation from Mary Robinson to Bye-election fund, 15/11/1983; agendas for Parliamentary Labour Party meeting on 7th December, which includes discussion paper on "Disturbing Aspects of Criminal Law Process in N[orthern] Ireland, 02/12/1983, on 14th December with letter from Westmeath Federation requesting assistance to keep Rural Home Economics Schools open, 09/12/1983, on 4th January, which includes material relating to the Local Broadcasting Bill to be discussed, 29/12/1983 and on 10th January, 29/12/1983.

Large envelope labelled "263 Labour Party Lawyers Group" 1983-1985 including correspondence, minutes and agendas. Material includes circulars to members of the group in relation to upcoming meetings and enclosing agendas, 03/02/1983-07/10/1985; Mary Robinson (MR)'s membership card for The Labour Party, stamped 13/04/1983; typed draft of letter from Secretary of Labour Lawyers Group (LLP) to Minister for Industry and Commerce, requesting they review the workings of the Casual trading Act 1980, n.d.; material relating to a one-day seminar "The Workers and the Law", including text of paper "Labour Law - A Review of Labour Legislation and the Necessity for its Reform", Ercus Stewart, S.C. [Senior Counsel], and text of address by Frank Cluskey, Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism, 01/10/1983; photocopy of typed draft "Legal Aid in Ireland"; copy of letter from Ann Lane, for MR to Michael P Coughlan noting address being used for her by LLP was incorrect, 18/07/1984; typed thank-you letter from Mary Turley, PRO, LLP to MR for attending and making "fine contribution" to their seminar in Cork, 14/11/1984; letter from Dick Spring, Tánaiste [Deputy Prime Minister] to Mervin Taylor, Chief Whip, the Labour Party in relation to an attached letter received from the federation Workers' Union of Ireland giving text of a resolution passed by its Annual Delegate Conference on subject of neutrality, 14-16/11/1984, and correspondence on same topic between MR and Michael Coghlan, Secretary, LLP, 22-27/11/1984.

Large envelope labelled "260 Labour Party - PLP Economic Policy Committee", consisting of correspondence, and background documents including background material relating to industrial and employment policy sent to Mary Robinson (MR) by Ruairí Quinn (RQ), TD, Minister for Labour, [06]/03/1984; circular relating to committee meeting on 27 June with agenda and information note on work of the committee on industrial and employment policies to date, 06/06/1984; correspondence to MR from RQ on legislation to establish the National Development Corporation which was being brought in front of Dáil [lower house of Irish parliament], 05-22/11/1984, 10/1985 which included a typed synopsis of the main provisions of the proposed bill.

Folders labelled: "Labour Women's Council Conference 23/24 March 84" and "Labour Women's Council 23 February 1985" consisting of material relating to both conferences including "Women in Europe" flyer (application form for conference), agenda, photocopy of press release from Confederation of Socialist Parties of the European Community relating to conference held in Amsterdam February 1984 "the Conference of Socialist Women", 03/1984; typed summary of contribution by Senator Mary Robinson (MR), SC [Senior Counsel, "Women in Europe - the Socialist Approach", 23/03/1984, and correspondence in relation to MR's participation on the 1984 conference, 17/01-16/03/1984 from Marie Woods, Chairperson, Labour Women's National Council, Diarmaid de Paor, Joint Secretary; copies of typed Labour policy documents "Divorce: Labour's Commitment", "Labour Party Statement on Proposed Constitutional Amendment", and "Labour's Commitment to Law Reform", 198[4?]; letter of invitation to speak at Labour Women's National Council annual conference, from Rosemary Ollier, Secretary, 01/02/1985, and typed summary of MR's contribution "Irish Women - Ten Years On", 23/02/1985.

Material covers Mary Robinson (MR)'s election to Seanad Éireann which followed the general election (18 June 1969). Ballots were received between 04 July and 12 August 1969, and term ran from 5 November 1969 - 30 March 1973. MR was one of three candidates elected from Dublin University [Trinity College Dublin] constituency and ran as an independent.

Material consists of correspondence and election address flyers of MR and other candidates. Correspondence (11/05-12/10/1969) in the form of letters seeking and giving support, including to and from MR's family, as well as letters apologising that votes were going elsewhere, include letters from Professor JM Kelly, Department of Jurisprudence and Roman Law, University College Dublin, 28/05/1969; typed letter from Mr Tom G Wilson to Dr Aubrey de Vere Bourke [MR's father], 29/05/1969; handwritten letter from Nicholas Robinson [MR's partner and later husband] to Miss Bourke, London, 10/06/1969; handwritten letter from MR to her parents giving details of the campaign, 13/06/1969; Bishop of Tuam, 14/06/1969; Professor Robert FV Heuston, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Southampton, 17/06/1969; letter to Mrs Tess Bourke [MR's mother] from Sarsfield Hogan, Irish Steel Holdings Ltd, 18/06-04/07/1969; handwritten letter from Hugh Alexander Boyd, Ballycastle County Antrim, Northern Ireland, 19/06/1969; The Very Reverend C Gray-Stack, 19/06/1969; handwritten letter from Henry Bourke [MR's brother], Singapore, to parents, 03/07/1969; handwritten letter to MR from Paget [MR's uncle?], 11/07/1969; letter from James Mitchell Wright, Sydney, Nova Scotia and reply which gave vote tally, which showed MR got 3rd and final seat, 27/06-12/10/1969; typed copies of letters sent by MR to potential voters; typed list of potential voters in County Cavan. Election address flyers from William Bedell Stanford, William A Dillon, Dr Owen Sheehy Skeffington (1965 Senate election), for John N Ross (year not listed) and for MR (1969).

Folder labelled "Senate Election file 1973" relating to Mary Robinson (MR)'s successful campaign to be elected Senator in the Dublin University constituency, held in May 1973. Material includes correspondence relating to changes in the electoral register, individual changes in addresses and lists of amended addresses; completed nomination forms with signatures of supporters along with correspondence to MR from some; booklet on Statutory Instruments re Seanad Elections Free Postage Regulations, 96and photocopied signed form from MR certifying number of unpaid communications tendered, date stamped by Controller, Dublin Postal District 12/03/1973; correspondence relating to printing of communication from MR, 12/03-17/05/1973; newspaper cuttings; flyers for official election addresses MR, TT West, Lionel Fleming, Joe Revington, Dr David John McConnell, Nessa O'Byrne Healy, Derrick Waldron-Lynch, William John Edward Jessop, Dr Noel Browne and David Boyd Redmond Cabot, 1973; flyers for election addresses for TT West, Catherine M Doohan, Cabot 1970; copies of communication and draft communication from MR to voters; official supplement listing panels of candidates prepared by Seanad Returning Officer for Seanad General Election May 1973, published 30/03/1973; letters of congratulations on her election and other correspondence, 30/04-26/06/1973, including from Mr Brennan, Australia Embassy, Mr Justice John Kenny, Rev Enda McDonagh, St Patrick's College, Maynooth, Eilish MacCurtain, Department of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Gemma Hussey, Women's Progressive Association, Miriam W Pike, [Dublin University] Women Graduates Association, Mother Aquinas, Convent of Jesus & Mary, Crosmolina County Mayo (Great aunt of MR), Rev Arthur Butler, Bishop of Connor, Professor Jessop, Trinity College Dublin, CP O'Brien for Ballina Urban District Council, along with members of the public; letters of support and general correspondence including from public ahead of election, 20/01-27/04/1973, including from Rev J Nally Goulden, Ballycastle County Antrim, Kader Asmal, Trinity College Dublin, Wing Commander Stanley Towell, RAF [Royal Air Force, United Kingdon], Aiden Hannigan, Department of Legal Studies, University of Melbourne, Australia; material relating to candidates on other panels outside of University panel MR was on [Labour Panel, Cultural and Educational, Industrial and Commercial, Agricultural, Administrative] including correspondence from other candidates looking for support, 05/02-17/07/1973, list of [winning?] candidates for each panel in MR's handwriting, and flyers of election addresses for candidates including Paddy Murphy, Mícheál Cranitch, Irish Congress of Trade Unions candidates and Sean Brosnahan, (Labour Panel), Mary Walsh, Maurice O'Connell, Valentine O'Kelly, Henry Edward Counihan, Timothy McAuliffe and Michael, Marquis of Headfort (Cultural and Educational Panel), Thomas C Skehan, John O'Connor, Sylvester Muldowney, James Gallagher, John O'Connor and Elexis FitzGerald (Industrial and Commercial Panel), Jack FitzGerald, Michael Ferris and Michael O'Mahony (Agricultural panel), Bernard McGlinchey, Michael Gallanagh, Peter Smithwick. Pat Kerrigan and Jim Doolan (Administrative panel), John J Kelly, Patrick M Rabbitte, John Horgan and Sean M Lavelle (National University of Ireland constituency).

[Archivist's note: reference is made in several correspondence to MR's mother dying during the campaign]