Ailbhe Smyth
@ailbhes
Followers
19K
Following
15K
Media
1K
Statuses
25K
Ex-academic, feminist, socialist, LGBT+ activist. TFY, Repeal 8th, ChairWomen’s Aid, Age Action Director, Patron Ballyfermot STAR, Women’s Collective Irl etc
Dublin
Joined February 2009
35 years ago I voted against the 8th Amendment. Today, at long long last I voted to repeal it. I am so proud. #Together2Vote
149
538
6K
My heart is full to the brim and overflowing with pride and relief, for women, for men, for Ireland. We have done ourselves proud. Thank you, thank you. #Together4Yes.
140
587
5K
In memoriam Savita Halappanavar, died tragically 28th October 2012. NEVER AGAIN
29
546
2K
Floods of terrific people coming #HometoVote give me hope and make me cry - just so moving. Go raibh mile maith agaibh. #Together2Vote.
18
204
2K
Huge crowds lining both sides of O’Connell St this eve for a very moving candlelight vigil, chanting #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow. @ipsc48 #GazaGenocide #Gaza #Peace
160
306
2K
Just so proud of us all today - muintir na hEireann, mo ceol sibh. #Together4Yes #WeDidIt.
47
190
2K
So very proud of everyone who fought long & hard for #Repealedthe8th & for #Legisl8 Of women & couples for bravely speaking out, of our Oireachtas - thank you - and not least hugely proud of the people of Ireland. A good day.
34
214
1K
Thank you Sarah McInerney for several months of absolutely compelling listening @TodayRadioRTE Hope you’ll be reincarnating in another prime slot this autumn
21
83
1K
Thrilled and more than a little overcome. This is for all who fought over decades - thank you - and for those fighting for our basic freedom globally #ProChoice .
62
129
1K
A woman introduced on #primetime as a feminist who then proceeds to dismiss and denigrate transwomen - that’s definitely NOT my kind of feminism, ever.
20
169
1K
Saluting the remarkable persistence and meticulous research of Catherine Corless - the foundation of today’s decision.
"It's everything we had been campaigning for" - Catherine Corless reacts as the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam is to be excavated
14
198
1K
A very very Happy #Pride🌈 to everyone! Wish we had buses like this everyday. #DublinPride #ProudestBus #Equality
9
142
931
In accordance with Article 46 of the Constitution, President Higgins today signed the Thirty-Sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2018, and it has accordingly become law.
34
115
891
Very proud to introduce Dublin Pride Guest of Honour Natasha O’Brien at today’s brilliant #Pride parade @NWCI @LGBT_ie @bridsmithTD @RosaSocFem #Pride2024 #StopViolenceAgainstWomen
79
69
838
We need to be clear: Irish society was complicit w/ a brutal misogynist regime BUT a cowardlyIrish State actively colluded w/ a tyrannical Church that held the country in a vice-like moral grip. #Stand4Truth #RepealTheSeal @MichealMartinTD
16
147
823
Incredible turnout at #RepealThe8th March and stirring, moving and inspiring speeches - we are on our way and totally determined
9
169
770
Happy 3rd Anniversary #repealedThe8th to everyone who fought so hard and all who voted for it.
19
75
724
On 25 May 2018, 1,429981 people voted to #repealthe8th and legalise abortion in 🇨🇮. I'm still stunned, deeply grateful to the voters, and especially the huge numbers of people all over the country who worked so hard to achieve that historic victory. #prochoice .#Together4YES
12
126
684
Surely one of the most compelling and passionate speeches ever made in Dáil Éireann by @ClareDalyTD today
11
136
669
Try again. Try harder. Try a Compulsory Purchase Order. Go on, you can do it! You’re the State! #MakeNMHOurs @DunL4Choice
29
122
664
I’ll be supporting @MichaelDHiggins as a powerful and constant voice for equality, justice and rights throughout his political life - and because he’s doing a fine job as president. #Aras18 #MichaelDforPresident #repealedThe8th #Feminism.
I am asking for your support on October 26th. All my life I have campaigned, argued and fought for a real Republic. This is about our shared future - Michael D. Higgins #MichaelDforPresident #Aras18
9
105
645
So thrilled and deeply honoured to be awarded the Freedom of Dublin. Thank you Lord Mayor @AlisonGilliland and Dublin City councillors. It means a lot to me.
.@ailbhes has been awarded the Freedom of the City by @LordMayorDublin for her work in the areas of human rights, social justice and academia. #FOTC
43
28
639
Congratulations Dr Corless!.
2
51
613
Deeply shocked and desperately sad to hear of Eavan Boland’s death. Her brilliant poems have accompanied, expressed & enriched my sense of myself as a woman all my life. Sincerest sympathies to her dear family. Rest in peace and in power.
10
63
623
Brilliant, fearless and passionate, Nell McCafferty ignited the fire of rebellion in me and my generation of women. There was no one like Nell to stir us up to act against injustice and callousness. We will miss you sorely Nell.
28
99
593
Deeply disappointed there is no space on Primetime panel for the highly experienced Prof Mary Higgins. Women’s voices, women’s presence are crucial when we’re talking about abortion. Obviously. #rtept
The nation was due to be addressed from the Primetime plinth by eminent consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Prof Mary Higgins. It wasn’t the decision of #together4yes, but this is no longer happening. The voices of women and doctors must be central to all discussions #rtept
9
116
522
It is extremely fitting that exactly 35 years to the day the Eighth Amendment was voted into law in Ireland, the Supreme Court has refused to hear a further appeal to challenge the result of the.
5
90
513
Warm congratulations to @SimonHarrisTD and his wife Caoimhe on safe arrival of their little daughter.
38
20
517
Several women TDs who played a major historic role on the #repealthe8th Joint Committee were not re-elected: I just want to say a huge big ‘Thank you’; best of luck and keep fighting!.@JanOSullivanTD @RuthCoppingerSP @campaignforkate @lichamber .#repealedthe8th #prochoice #GE20
17
51
448
Phenomenal turnout of doctors for medical summit for YES. Over 1000 signed up to stand for #repealthe8th and safe health care for women #Together4Yes
9
121
436
‘We are with you in solidarity, every step of the way’ Thrilled to be part of fantastic, galvanising Belfast march @Love_EqualityNI @All4Choice #repealthe8th #EqualMarriage
1
74
431
A remarkable year - am not the better of it yet. Very glad to see the abortion Bill signed. #Repealedthe8th.
Abortion becomes legal in Ireland for first time after Bill signed by President
14
35
426
It’s in the frame - a woman Taoiseach! Never thought I could even imagine it. #WomenLead #Feminism #changeiscoming.
"We have begun contact with other parties to explore whether we can form a government without Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael," – @MaryLouMcDonald #GE2020
11
50
409
Alternative headline: At least 260 GPs remain at special meeting to discuss implementation of abortion services #legisl8 @Doctors4Choice @ICGPnews.via @IrishTimes.
9
112
429
Thinking of the death of Savita Halappavar with deep sadness. So unnecessary. #NeverAgain #AbortionRights #prochoice
11
57
427
Thank you @LordMayorDublin I’m totally thrilled and quite overwhelmed. Such an honour to be in the company of two very brilliant women @maryCyPsy and Kellie Harrington. Whooppee!. Am rounding up my sheep 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑 You know who you are.
Honoured to propose for the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin - Ailbhe Smyth for work on human rights & social justice, Prof Mary Aiken @maryCyPsy for work in cyberpsychology and online safety & security and Kellie Harrington for community work and sporting achievements.
47
35
432
Warms my 💖 to see truly phenomenal support for #IrelandForAll March. Join us on Saturday, 1.30 pm, Parnell Square.#RefugeesWelcome #CéadMíleFáilte
123
81
402
Survivors: You are seen and heard. The world is watching. Govt: we will not forget. #UnsealTheArchive #Stand4Truth
4
49
414
Bleak prospect for human rights in US. Fearful for Roe vs Wade among so much else. Disgraceful episode in American history. Kavanagh nominated to Supreme Court by majority of two: 50 - 48 result.
11
93
397
Honoured and absolutely delighted to be included in @nuigalway 2021 honorary degree list and so looking forward to the conferring! Thank you @nuigalway
37
14
407
45 male speakers and 15 female speakers is absolutely indefensible and appalling in year we celebrate 100 years of (some) women’s suffrage.
Criticism of majority male line-up ‘unfair’, says MacGill Summer School
12
78
384
What a remarkable man. Our treasure, Christy Moore @christymoore45 Thank you Christy for yesterday #IrelandForAll No Passaran! @LeCheileDND
84
36
386
Remembering with deep sadness Ann Lovett, who died 40 years ago on 31st January 1984.
9
44
392
Why I’ll be out marching tomorrow 1.30 pm at Garden of Remembrance #IrelandForAll #Solidarity #RefugeesWelcome @LeCheileDND
235
77
380
The strength and generosity of Savita’s parents is so striking and moving. Our deep gratitude to them both. #Togeher4Yes
“I hope that people in Ireland will remember the fate of our daughter Savita on the day of the referendum and vote Yes so that what happened to us won’t happen to other families.”. Savita’s parents call for a Yes vote on Friday. #yourYESmatters
2
85
361
What was th point of that #primetime? Becoming & being trans not a ‘debate’. It’s a reality. The legal changes are crucial to equality, dignity & life possibilities of trans young people. Need to just get on with it. #SolidariT #RTEPT @TENI_Tweets @BeLonG_To.
13
66
349
I’m appalled. Men in balaclavas enter building and protesters are put in prison. What about our rights to assemble and to protest & to free speech? How about a constitutional right to a HOME?
11
88
331
We carry the memory of Savita in our hearts. On the 9th anniversary of her tragic death, we say #NeverAgain . A quiet vigil will be held outside the Dail, Kildare St on 28th Oct from 5.30 to 6.15 pm. @OurMatHosp #MakeNMHOurs #PublicAndSecular
2
49
354
Just a year ago we #repealedThe8th thanks to brilliant campaigners and supporters all over the country and to the people of Ireland for their brave and compassionate vote. It means so much.
8
39
340
Thrilled, relieved, breathing again! Straight repeal a clear majority at #8committee HURRAY #repealthe8th.
13
62
336
Heartfelt big ‘Go Raibh Mile Maith Agaibh’ to the wonderful TDs and Senators across all parties in the Oireachtas who fought tooth and nail for #legisl8 and to @SimonHarrisTD and his terrific team for true commitment, determination and steady nerves!”.
5
33
340
The suspended sentence in this appalling case means a soldier’s ‘career’ is deemed more important than punishment for the vicious, brutal crime he committed. Brave Natasha O’Brien is so right. #ThatsNotJustice.
13
50
340
On the 1st anniversary of her death, remembering a remarkable young woman. RIP rest in power and in peace Lyra McKee. #LyraMcKee
1
63
321
“Ireland loves its strong women, as long as they’re dead or they never lived at all” Justine McCarthy on women’s ongoing struggle for #Equality & #Justice in Ireland . #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #Feminism #FreeSafeLegal. @NWCI @RosaSocFem
114
59
319
I deplore outrageous comments by Ronan Mullen in Seanad Éireann on possible legalisation of the harmful & highly discriminatory practice of “conversion therapy” for LGBT people
7
51
313
Thinking of what Joanne Hayes and her family have suffered for 36 years & how no ‘settlement’ can ever compensate for their terrible ordeal. Still a deep blot on contemporary Irish history. 1000s sent flowers to Joanne during the trial, more today 🌼🌼🌼.
10
37
321
Madness for @greenparty_ie not to back the formidable asset they have in @hazechu We need lots of straight talking in Seanad & more powerful women in #politics .Go Hazel! .
25
31
312
Stand in #solidarity with Natasha O’Brien. Protests tomorrow in Cork, Limerick, Dublin 🙏@RosaSocFem #ThatsNotJustice @NWCI @DublinRCC
22
112
320
Brilliant historian and educator, pioneering feminist, guiding light for generations, I’m deeply sad at the death of Margaret MacCurtain, Sr Ben. All my life, she was a beacon of courage, wisdom and kindness - mentor, colleague, dear friend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílís
14
41
320
Proper order. Hoping sanity + respect for #8thRef outcome will prevail & that no appeals will follow. @RTENewsNow
9
53
318
Campaigning w/ these two wonderful women & the hundreds and thousands more in @Together4yes & #Repealthe8th all around Ireland has been a highlight in my life. We need a 'wall of honour' to list everyone! #Feminism #prochoice #TheNorthisNext #Repealedthe8th
9
35
310
There’ll be no easing up on wonderful work going on all around the country - as if we would! #.
6
50
290
All out to stand in #Solidarity with Natasha on Saturday 1 pm at The Spire . #ThatsNotJustice.
- Standout in solidarity with Natasha. - Protest Misogynistic judicial system . - A violent soldier’s career placed above a woman’s trauma . Protest Saturday 22 June . 1pm @ The Spire , Dublin 1 .#violenceagainstwomen #genderviolence #niunamenos💜
10
95
301
We are, for sure! A lot more work ahead on so many issues. Can’t wait to get stuck in - well maybe in a day or two.
The morning after the day before. Mná still together for YES & for each other @moneillsf @OrlaNWCI @discosparkles @ailbhes #RepealedThe8th
3
18
297
Disgusted by a government which can pass such a cruel law - a violation of humane values and rights. Shame on you. #StandForTruth
5
47
292
Saluting a very brave young woman, and desperately sad at the outcome - hard to believe but #IBelieveHer.
0
36
284
10 years ago we said #NeverAgain 29 October at 1pm Garden of Remembrance #TheMarchGoesOn #Savita10YearsOn
16
77
297
Historic victory as #abortion law passed by senate. Relief at long last after mammoth struggle. Admiration and #solidarity to women in #Argentina #AbortoLegal2020 #AbortoLegalYa #NiUnaMenos #prochoice.
38 votos a favor.29 en contra.1 abstención.ES LEY EL ABORTO EN ARGENTINA.💚💚💚💚
3
25
297
A very HAPPY DUBLIN PRIDE to all! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️💜💖💜💖
4
29
285
To celebrate Brigid, rebel and warrior woman, we’re marking #BrigidsDay w/ a protest at the Dáil calling for urgent action on #ViolenceAgainstWomen #StopKillingWomen
5
74
277
Happy #InternationalsWomensDay. Let’s keeping fighting in solidarity for all our freedoms & for equality and justice for all women everywhere #NoWomanLeftBehind
1
54
268
I don’t know how this young woman, ‘Ms Y’, can ever be adequately compensated for the HSE’s ‘breaches of duty’ towards her. I hope this can never happen again but am very sad that #Repealed comes too late for her and for so many, many women over such a long time.
HSE admit partial liability in Ms Y case.She suffered greatly at the way she was treated. Those involved should hang their heads in shame.
1
63
273
Heartbreaking to hear of the murder of Geila Ibram. #Femicide has to be stopped. My sympathies to her poor bereft family, friends and community. #EndViolenceAgainstWomen @Womens_Aid
84
32
276
Honoured, thrilled (and a wee bit nervous) to be in conversation with the incomparable @MargaretAtwood at @TheHist at @tcddublin tomorrow. #democracy #HumanRights #ProChoice #Feminism
13
28
266
To women in 🇵🇱 You are so brave! Keep going - we see & support you in your struggle for #prochoice #abortionrights #pieklobiet #WyrokNaKobiety #StrajKobiet @JuliaMa69316136 @RhonaMcCord @freesafelegal @NWCI
2
47
264
Still thrilled to be lesbian and so proud to be part of our #RainbowRevolution #LGBTI+ queer community! A very Happy #DublinPride2019 to everyone 🌈🌸🌈🇮🇪🌈🌸
2
15
264
‘The Kerry Babies Trial’ - Patricia Hurl’s magnificent, terrifying painting included in the retrospective of her work now at IMMA @IMMAIreland @artscouncil_ie #KerryBabies #Feminism
3
59
247
Very sad to read of death of Sylvia Meehan - a true feminist and life-long activist & advocate for women’s rights. Remembering Sylvia with affection and gratitude - we owe you so much.
4
58
258
Deeply sad and upset to hear of the death of a truly outstanding, brave & unique advocate for and defender of women’s rights. #RBG was a giant of a woman and jurist. Her loss on the US Supreme Court is profound. #Feminism #WomensRights #ProChoice #HumanRights.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Champion Of Gender Equality, Dies At 87
1
42
252
Big warm THANK YOU to everyone at @DublinPride for remarkably smooth organisation of gigantic #Pride🌈 Longing to get back on O’Connell St next year - we should own our city for a day!.
4
18
253
Very warmest congratulations to brand-new Senator Eileen Flynn @Love1solidarity Absolutely delighted at your appointment. You’ll blow the cobwebs right off the Seanad rafters! @Itmtrav @NWCI #Equality #Feminism #EndRacism
1
16
254
On Thursday 28th Oct a quiet vigil will be held outside the Dail in Kildare St at 5.30 pm to mark the 9th anniversary of the tragic death of Savita Halappanaver. @OurMatHosp @DunL4Choice @freesafelegal @NWCI .#NeverAgain #MakeNMHOurs
3
55
250
Remembering Urantsetseg Tserendorj brutally murdered one year ago. #EndFemicide #ZeroTolerance #NotOneMore.
Today we remember Urantsetseg Tserendorj on the one year anniversary of the brutal attack inflicted on her as she was walking home from work. She became a victim of #femicide two weeks later when she died as a result of her injuries. #NotOneMore #NiUnaMenos
1
18
258
Just when you think #CatholicChurch can’t stuff it’s foot any further in its own mouth. #feminismo #Feminism .
17
64
255
Happy Pride 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ everyone. You can dance on one foot but you need two to march - I’ll be there in spirit. So proud of our #LGBTIQA Community . Rainbows from my grandkids “because you’re gay Granny’”.@LGBT_ie @DublinPride @Belong_To
24
13
248
Standing in #solidarity w/ women in Poland 🇵🇱 protesting against the cruel & dangerous ban on #abortion #prochoice #mybodymychoice #piekłokobiet #WyrokNaKobiety #AborcjaBezGranic @WandaNowicka #repealthe8th #freesafelegal
3
59
251
Just got this great photo from the NYC #RallyForAbortionJustice march on Saturday - thank you @Msjuliekay . #ProChoice #Feminism #FreeSafeLegal
1
25
248