We Need a Heckler!

Ambassador to Ireland

When Margaret Heckler arrived in Ireland in January 1986, the Irish people received her with some reserve, feeling that the ambassadorship was being used as a dumping ground for an ousted cabinet official. It didn’t help that President Reagan had announced her appointment before clearing it with the Irish government, or that Heckler was initially reluctant to accept the job. The first female U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Heckler was once again filling a role traditionally held by men. Having ended her marriage with her husband, John, in 1984, she was also in a country where divorce was illegal. Heckler’s Irish heritage was a benefit, however, and she appears to have quickly won people over.

Margaret Heckler with Carmencita Hederman, Lord Mayor of Dublin, circa 1987-1988.

Box 128, Folder 10, Margaret Heckler papers, CA1998-004

Margaret Heckler and an Irish official, 1986.

Box 128, Folder 11, Margaret Heckler papers, CA1998-004

By all accounts, she was a successful advocate for American business interests and investment in Ireland. As American ambassador she played an important role in supporting the recently signed Anglo-Irish Agreement, a treaty between the U.K. and Ireland designed to help bring an end to the violent, nationalistic conflict in Northern Ireland. Heckler maintained her interest in health care and visited Irish hospitals. She spent considerable time traveling across Ireland, and made frequent trips back to America to promote economic and cultural connections between the two countries. The impressive ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park in Dublin was the site of numerous social events during her time in Ireland.

Margaret Heckler at an event promoting U.S. technology, circa 1986-1989.

Box 128, Folder 11, Margaret Heckler papers, CA1998-004

Margaret Heckler at an event promoting U.S. technology, circa 1986-1989.

Box 128, Folder 11, Margaret Heckler papers, CA1998-004

Margaret Heckler at an event promoting U.S. technology, circa 1986-1989.

Box 128, Folder 11, Margaret Heckler papers, CA1998-004

Margaret Mary O’Shaughnessy Heckler spent four years in Ireland and served during the first eight months of President George Bush’s term before being recalled in August, 1989.

Margaret Heckler at the Irish Derby, 1986.

Box 128, Folder 11, Margaret Heckler papers, CA1998-004

Margaret Heckler with her Irish Wolfhound Jackson O’Toole at the ambassador’s residence, circa 1986-1989.

Box 128, Folder 11, Margaret Heckler papers, CA1998-004

Secretary of Health and Human Services: A 'Catalyst for Caring'
Conclusion