Robinson was condemned as ‘curse’ by archbishop

Former president Mary Robinson was a special guest at a sellout event at the West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry last night. She was interviewed by Bantry-born journalist, Alison O’Connor.

Mrs Robinson, the first female president of Ireland, was promoting her best-selling autobiography, Everybody Matters, at the festival, of which the Irish Examiner is media partner.

Mrs Robinson said her upbringing in Co Mayo was “quite comfortable. I was very lucky in the encouragement my parents gave me, and the opportunities they gave me, especially in my education.