Dodie McGuinness facts for kids

Dodie McGuinness (born 1950) is an Irish Republican politician. This means she is a public leader who believes in a united Ireland. She has worked for many years in politics.

Early Life and Political Journey

Dodie McGuinness was born Anne Harkin in 1950. She grew up in Derry, Northern Ireland. Before becoming a politician, she worked at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Getting Involved in Politics

Dodie became interested in making things better for people. She joined the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association. This group worked for equal rights for everyone in Northern Ireland. In 1972, she joined Sinn Féin, a political party. She was present during the events of Bloody Sunday. This was a very important day in the history of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland.

Serving in Local Government

Anne Harkin married the brother of Martin McGuinness. She then became known as Dodie McGuinness. In 1985, she was elected to Derry City Council. This is a local government group that makes decisions for the city. She served as a Sinn Féin member on the council until 1993.

National and International Roles

In 1994, Dodie McGuinness was a candidate in the European election. This election was for a group that helps make laws for many countries in Europe. She was not elected that time. By 1994, she was also a member of the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle. This is the main leadership council of the party.

In 1996, she was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum. This was a group of elected people who discussed the future of Northern Ireland. She was one of four Sinn Féin members for Belfast West.

Dodie McGuinness did not run for a seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly. This is the main law-making body for Northern Ireland. By 2003, she was leading the Sinn Féin Bureau in England. As of 2007, she continues to be a member of the Ard Chomhairle. She represents the area of Derry. Interestingly, she is distantly related to the famous author Clive Cussler.