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Joan Ryan had just come from rounding up support for a 10min rule bill. She's proud of this as an achievement. Although its unlikely to be picked up by the press, there are around 47,000 pensioners who could be lifted out of poverty if they apply for a rebate on their Council Tax. To the veterans of the Royal British Legion, they perceive the word benefit as demeaning, a benefit is something they're ashamed to apply for. Changing the name will mean that more of them will apply. Despite the civil service saying it will be costly, in fact it will only eat into the £2billion of pensioners unclaimed benefit. It may seem a small victory, but this is meat and drink to Joan Ryan MP achieving thing she's set out to do, by hard work and with colleagues support, team players.  |
How did you get into politics?
As a child of Irish immigrants I had to make a choice of how I perceive myself, being born here. I see myself as British, but I am very proud of my Irish heritage. I have always been aware of politics and the power for good. My grandfather was involved in the struggle and interned by the British. I was very aware that mum and dad weren't British and they'd been involved in a huge struggle and proud of it.
It really began for me when Thatcher was elected in my area. I had two little children, that was a big trigger for me, for the future of my children. I fundamentally disagreed with Thatcher on education.
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Irish Heritage
As a child, I did all the Irish things, Catholic schools and Irish dancing. Mum came over as a child, Dad was an officer in the Irish Army. They met in Warrington. Mum came from a large family and her brother died. They'd seen real poverty. They knew real life and a knowledge of what politics could do. As Irish immigrants we were much more easily integrated. Dad had an Irish accent but mum had come over as a child and quickly lost it. Yes, we suffered prejudice, there were orange lodges in the North West and Birmingham. You're aware of these things. In the 50s there was a lot of prejudice. Dad had lived in London for a long time. But we didn't consider ourselves disadvantaged. The division was quite clear and with the troubles it flared up again. My father knew that the Irish Catholics would be better off if they were not under British rule.
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Who were your role models as a child?
My dad. The labour party used to call at the house and he would buy tickets. He'd watch the news every night. In my late teens we used to talk politics, whether Socialism would work or not. He died when I was 21. A sudden aneurism He was only 57. Devastating for my mum and sad for me. He was a huge driving force and influence. We were four girls, I often wonder if my dad would have been so ambitious for us if he'd had a son. Back to top |
Which event was most surprising?
The most surprising/amazing, was the last general election. We had sneaking suspicions. In 1997 knew we were going to win, take it off the conservatives, but it was nerve racking on the day. In 2001 I felt that we'd done enough to win 2,300 votes. You need to massively up your game. There is no security. It could go either way. The fighting was closer. It was just so fantastic. A huge moment, walking into the count. Happy shiny people. We were on the ceiling for days. so wonderful. Fantastic team so many people, friends for life. shared experience. I'm the figure head, the leader, but they all win too. Everybody felt that they won. 1997 that was huge at the time. Blair got greatest landslide of votes.
Personally we went through a difficult period in the family, my husband was ill and my sister also. Highs and lows. She had the operation in February and the election was in May. I spent Oct /Nov supporting my family. The First Queen's speech I watched in hospital with my sister. She was only person I was really close to that time, but Mo Mowlem came up and was able to meet her. They were both Maureens. My sister made a huge contribution to my life. A special relationship, the most important in my life, awful for me when she died, but devastating for her husband and daughters.
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When did you first realise that women get different treatment?
Something you knew for a long time. Obviously being at a Catholic school, you don't get to be altar boys, or play the leading roles. The whole position of women's role in the church. Back to top |
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Can being a woman be an advantage?
Play it to your advantage. I wouldn't want to be anything else, and I wish it was fairer. We did make a great leap forward, I was part of that, and men who were really committed and supportive, and supportive on quotas.
In Barnet in the run up to 94 election we achieved a woman in every Ward. A minority administration with 60% women. Back to top |
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Advice to young women starting out in politics or business or as entrepreneurs
Believe in yourself.
Get the support of key people.
Seek the support of those who you know and believe in you, but don't lose touch with who you are.
Things happen and they hurt, but turn to the people who lift you up, and get on with it.
Don't expect someone else to do it for you,
What you feel and the people who really care about you.
What do they think you can do.
Politics:
Politics is not about reflecting on what you've done, it's about reaching out for what you want to do. Hold yourself steady and see the long game. Take the long view and keep battling forward and never give up, never give up. You can't win every battle.
What is it that you want? Have some idea of what you want to do, what you want to achieve.
Not just you, alone, it's about being a team player. If you're here long enough, do a couple of things you really enjoy. You're entitled to enjoyment; if you're not enjoying it there's no point. Back to top | |
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Christina
Woman on a Mission
Diversity and Leadership Consultant
Alumnus Women of the Year 2008/2009
www.wwom.org
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