I was elected by the women of Ireland, who instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system.

It's only when you have a critical mass of women in politics that you get women's issues attacked.

This is a new beginning, a great beginning for women in Afghanistan, a time of hope,

In a society where the rights and potential of women are constrained, no man can be truly free. He may have power, but he will not have freedom.

building reconciliation between ethnic groups, issues of human rights, more tolerance and commitment to democratic human rights values.

The convention (on refugees) provides that they should be accepted at the nearest port and I think the issue is a very serious one.