State papers: Tension between government and Mary Robinson over her efforts to expand presidency role

Mary Robinson with her husband Nick and media adviser Bride Rosney after winning the presidential election in 1990. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Serious tension erupted between Mary Robinson and the Charles Haughey-led government, including senior officials, over her role and independence following her historic election as the country’s first female president in 1990.

Newly-released State papers show senior civil servants believed Ms Robinson and her advisers were seeking a confrontation with the Government over the limits of her office.