Patricia McLaughlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patricia McLaughlin
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| Member of Parliament for Belfast West |
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| In office 26 May 1955 – 25 September 1964 |
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| Prime Minister | Anthony Eden |
| Preceded by | Jack Beattie |
| Succeeded by | James Kilfedder |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Florence Patricia Alice Aldwell
23 June 1916 Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland |
| Died | 7 January 1997 (aged 80) |
| Political party | Ulster Unionist |
Patricia McLaughlin (born Florence Patricia Alice Aldwell, June 23, 1916 – January 7, 1997) was an important politician from Northern Ireland. She was one of the first women from that region to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom. An MP is a person elected by citizens to represent them in the country's main law-making body, called Parliament. She was also honored with the OBE award.
Early Life and Education
Patricia McLaughlin was born on June 23, 1916. Her full birth name was Florence Patricia Alice Aldwell. She grew up in Downpatrick, which is in County Down, Ireland.
For her education, she attended Ashleigh House. Later, she went on to study at Trinity College, Dublin. After her studies, she decided to join the Ulster Unionist Party. This political party works to keep Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom.
Her Time in Parliament
In 1955, Patricia McLaughlin was chosen to represent the Ulster Unionist Party. She ran for election in the West Belfast area. This was for the general election that year. A general election is when people vote for their representatives in Parliament.
She won the seat from the person who was already in office, Jack Beattie. This meant she became the MP for West Belfast. She successfully kept her seat in the 1959 election as well. After serving two terms, she decided to retire from politics.
However, she made a surprising return to politics in 1970. She ran as a candidate for the Conservative Party. This time, she tried to win a seat in Wandsworth Central. Even though she ran, she did not win that election. She was also one of the people who helped start the Westminster women's Orange Lodge, a group for women with similar political views.
Later Life and Recognition
In 1965, Patricia McLaughlin received a special award. She was given the OBE. This award is given to people who have done great work in their field. It recognizes their service to the country.
Patricia McLaughlin passed away on January 7, 1997, at the age of 80. She is remembered as a pioneering female politician from Northern Ireland.
