Bríd Rodgers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bríd Rodgers
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Rodgers in 2007
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| Deputy leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party | |
| In office 2001–2004 |
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| Leader | Mark Durkan |
| Preceded by | Seamus Mallon |
| Succeeded by | Alasdair McDonnell |
| Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development | |
| In office 2 December 1999 – 14 October 2002 |
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| First Minister | David Trimble |
| Preceded by | New Creation |
| Succeeded by | Michelle Gildernew |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Upper Bann |
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| In office 25 June 1998 – 26 November 2003 |
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| Preceded by | New Creation |
| Succeeded by | Dolores Kelly |
| Northern Ireland Forum Member for Upper Bann |
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| In office 30 May 1996 – 25 April 1998 |
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| Preceded by | New forum |
| Succeeded by | Forum dissolved |
| Senator | |
| In office 23 February 1983 – 25 April 1987 |
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| Constituency | Nominated by the Taoiseach |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Bríd Stratford
20 February 1935 Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Political party | Social Democratic and Labour Party |
| Spouse | Antoin Rodgers (d. 2021) |
| Children | 6 |
| Residences | Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland |
| Alma mater | University College Dublin |
Bríd Rodgers (born 20 February 1935) is an Irish politician who is now retired. She was born and grew up in Gweedore, a place in the west of County Donegal, Ireland.
Even though she was born in the Republic of Ireland, she became very active in politics in Northern Ireland. She was the Deputy-Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) from 2001 to 2004. She also served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Upper Bann from 1998 to 2003.
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Her Early Life and Education
Bríd Rodgers was born Bríd Stratford in 1935. She grew up in a Gaeltacht area. This means it was a place where the Irish language is still spoken every day.
She went to school in Monaghan. Later, she studied at University College Dublin (UCD). In 1960, she moved to Northern Ireland, where she has lived ever since.
Starting in Politics
Bríd Rodgers became involved in politics in Northern Ireland from a young age. In 1965, she joined the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA). This group worked to make sure everyone had equal rights.
She was one of the people who helped start the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). This political party works for a peaceful and fair Northern Ireland. She became the Chairman of the SDLP in 1978. Then, in 1981, she became the General Secretary.
From 1983 to 1987, Bríd Rodgers was a Senator in the Republic of Ireland. She was chosen for this role by the Taoiseach, who is the head of the Irish government.
Helping to Build Peace
Bríd Rodgers played a very important part in the peace process in Northern Ireland. She led the SDLP team during the talks that created the Good Friday Agreement. This agreement was a major step towards peace in Northern Ireland.
In June 1998, she was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. She represented the area of Upper Bann. In November 1999, she became a minister in the first Northern Ireland Executive. This is like the government of Northern Ireland.
She was the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development. She was the first woman ever to be a full Agriculture Minister in Ireland. She held this important job until October 2002.
Later Political Roles
In November 2001, Bríd Rodgers became the Deputy Leader of the SDLP. She continued to serve in the Northern Ireland Assembly until November 2003.
She stepped down as an MLA in 2003. In February 2004, she also stepped down as Deputy Leader of the SDLP. Alasdair McDonnell took over her role as Deputy Leader.
Beyond Politics
Bríd Rodgers was married to Antoin Rodgers. He passed away in 2021. They had six children together.
She is a native speaker of the Irish language. She can also speak French and Italian.
