Rita Childers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rita Childers
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Childers in 1973
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| Born |
Margaret Mary Dudley
25 February 1915 Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland
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| Died | 9 May 2010 (aged 95) Glenageary, County Dublin, Ireland
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| Resting place | Roundwood, County Wicklow, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater | City, University of London |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Nessa |
Margaret Childers (born Margaret Mary Dudley; 25 February 1915 – 9 May 2010) was an important Irish woman. She worked for the government and was an activist. She became the wife of Erskine Hamilton Childers, who was the 4th President of Ireland. After his death, she even tried to become president herself.
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Early Life and Family Background
Margaret Mary Dudley was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 25 February 1915. She was one of eight children born to Joseph and Marcella Dudley. Her father worked as a lawyer.
Margaret went to Loreto and Holy Cross schools. She also studied at Muckross Park College. Sadly, her father became very ill and passed away early. This meant Margaret and her sisters could not go to university. Instead, she learned secretarial skills. At 17, she got her first job working for an antiques dealer in Dublin.
Later, Margaret worked for the St John Ambulance Brigade. She helped run canteens that provided food for mothers in need in Dublin. She did this for five years.
Her Children's Paths
Margaret's daughter, Nessa Childers, followed her into public life. In 2004, Nessa was elected as a local council member for the Green Party.
Margaret's stepson, Erskine Barton Childers, also worked in important roles. He was a senior official for the United Nations.
Life as the President's Wife
In 1942, Margaret started working at the British office in Dublin. She helped with press relations. Later, she moved to London to work for the British government. In 1946, she returned to Dublin to work at the British Embassy.
It was at the Embassy that Margaret met her future husband, Erskine Hamilton Childers. He was a widower and a senior member of the Fianna Fáil political party. They met at a diplomatic lunch in 1952.
Their marriage caused some discussion because Margaret was a Roman Catholic and Erskine was an Anglican. The Archbishop of Dublin at the time did not approve of their marriage in Dublin. So, they decided to get married in Paris on 16 September 1952. After her marriage, Margaret stopped working at the Embassy.
Supporting the President
When her husband was a government minister, Margaret often hosted events at their home. She also went with him on official trips. In June 1973, Erskine was elected President of Ireland. Margaret encouraged him to make the role of president more modern. They traveled all over Ireland, visiting many different areas, especially those that needed more help.
Sadly, Erskine died suddenly on 17 November 1974. After his death, there was a secret plan among political parties to make Margaret the next president. However, this plan fell apart due to a misunderstanding.
Margaret later spoke about how she felt during this time. She said that she felt "a woman in Ireland can be regarded as mere baggage."
After the Presidency
After leaving Áras an Uachtaráin (the presidential residence), Margaret became a strong voice. She often spoke about her late husband's political party, Fianna Fáil. She also shared her husband's distrust of Charles Haughey, a well-known politician. Margaret even suggested that the office of president should be stopped after Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigned in 1976.
The Irish Apollo 17 Goodwill Moon Rock was given to President Childers. After her husband died, Margaret asked to keep the moon rock as a memory of him. However, her request was not granted. The Irish Goodwill Moon Rock is now kept at the National Museum of Ireland.
Later Life and Public Service
Margaret Childers remained a well-known public figure. She gave many speeches to community groups and women's groups. She believed more women should be involved in politics and public life. She also wanted to see stronger communities across Ireland.
She supported the Save Wood Quay Campaign. This campaign aimed to protect an important historical site in Dublin. Margaret also continued to be interested in improving relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
A Family Relic
In 1995, Margaret found a small automatic pistol that had belonged to her husband. This weapon was important because it was the same one her father-in-law, Robert Erskine Childers, had. He was tried and executed in 1922 because he had this weapon. The pistol had been given to him by Michael Collins.
Margaret gave the pistol to the Irish Defence Forces. It is now kept at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.
Her Final Years
Margaret Childers passed away on 9 May 2010, in Dublin. She is buried next to her husband at Derralossory churchyard in County Wicklow.
