RTE’s Late Show: Ryan Tubridi sews on Mary Robinson recalls her fun moment

Former President Mary Robinson tied the knot after reminding Ryan Tubridi of the most interesting moment of his official life.

Ireland’s first female president spoke of a foreign visit, when she and her husband Nick clashed with the wife of an African president, described as a “significant woman.”

She said: “I was in the car with the president. It was a very nice new Mercedes. Nick was in the car.

“Nick praised the car for the conversation, she said, ‘The window will open when I press it.’ So she pressed a button and licked the back of the seat.

“When we got back to our room that night [Nick] Tears of laughter were falling on his cheeks.

Ms. Robinson went on a lengthy interview condemning Donald Trump for undermining democracy by refusing to accept the US election.

She said on the Late Show that she welcomed the election of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

She added of Trump: “This is very serious, because it undermines democracy and sets a very bad example.”

“We often want voters in countries that are not so strong in a democracy to relinquish power if they are expelled.

“It’s a problem in Africa, and few African countries can prevent it.

“It is very serious to have a country that has promoted democracy around the world.”

Ms. Robinson served as President from 1990 to 1997 and became the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

A decade later, they joined The Elders, an international team brought in by Nelson Mandela.

She now chairs a group of peace activists. Last week, Trump expressed grave concern over his refusal to follow protocol and hand over power.

The 76-year-old said: “Everyone is shocked at what is happening in America, but no one is saying anything, so it’s time for the elders to step up.”

She also hopes that the election of the first woman vice president of the United States will give girls confidence.

Ms. Robinson said: “I think she is fully aware of her position and her role.

“It resonated around the world, especially with a woman of color. It was great.”

She told host Ryan Tubridi that she was upset as she was considering running for a second term as Irish president.

“It was just a pressure of decision,” she said.

“We went to Malta for a vacation to test our minds.

“We went back, we fought a lot we didn’t normally do, we cried.

“I cried a lot because I wanted to do it for another three or four years, but I know that repetition in the office will weaken the way I do, and it is 100%.

“I was torn whether to go ahead or not.”

The former president has been married to historian Nicholas Robinson for half a century.

She said: “The most important thing is to have someone as a true friend.

“He also has a great ability to make me laugh. He’s a great support.” He is quite shy and it was hard to be the ‘first gentleman’ from the beginning.

“He has always been strong in supporting equality between women and men.”