Beginner’s pluck: Former politician Katherine Zappone

'Love in a Time of Politics' is a fascinating, moving, and highly readable account of a life lived with conviction

Katherine Zappone is currently a Visiting Research Fellow of Theology and Peace Studies at Trinity College, Dublin. Picture: Moya Nolan

Katherine has always been a leader, looking at what others need.

“My desire is always rooted in a deep connection with the divine,” she says.

After her MA, she taught religion at second level in New York.

Then, in Boston, taking a PhD, she met Ann Louise Gilligan — and, moving to Ireland, the duo formed a lifetime partnership.

We made a commitment in 1982.

They married in Canada in 2003, then fought to have their marriage recognised in the Irish Courts.

Anne Louise’s illness, and death in 2017 devastated Katherine.

“I wanted to continue in public life,” she says, “but in 2020, I hadn’t a seat, and I moved to New York.”

A political controversy in Ireland in 2021 left Katherine deeply distressed. 

However in 2023, disliking the political climate in the US, she returned to Dublin with her new partner.

“Jennifer and I love the culture in Ireland, and the core values,” she says.

Who is Katherine Zappone?

Date/ place of birth: 1953/ Spokane, Washington.

Education: Girl’s High School in Seattle; Gonzaga University, Spokane, with last two years in Seattle; The Catholic University of America, Washington DC, MA in Religious Studies; Boston College, PhD in Religion and Education.

Home: Dublin.

Family: Partner, Jennifer Scott; “my siblings and their children; Anne Louise’s sister and family in Ireland; and Jennifer’s family in the UK.”

The day job: Visiting Research Fellow of Theology and Peace Studies at Trinity College, Dublin.

In Another life: “I’d sing on the stage — like Judy Garland and Bette Midler.”

Favourite writers: Alice Walker; Eavan Boland; Paula Meehan; Claire Keegan; Emily Pine.

Second book: “I’m looking forward to getting back to academic writing.”

Top tip: “Get your bottom on the chair every day.”

Instagram: @KatherineZappone1

The debut

Love in a Time of Politics

Hachette Books Ireland, €18.99

Partly a political memoir — detailing Katherine’s time as a senator, and independent government minister; her fight for marriage equality; for abortion reform, and for the children of Tuam; it’s also about a lifetime of love — showing the strength of mutual support.

“After academic writing, it was hard to write about love alongside politics. It took me five or six years.”

The verdict: A fascinating, moving, and highly readable account of a life lived with conviction.