Love in a Time of Politics

During Katherine Zappone's second year in ministerial office, her wife Ann Louise Gilligan suffered a major brain haemorrhage that left her blind - a tragedy marking the beginning of a profound transformation in their lives. Their partnership, defined by a deep love and shared commitment to human rights, guided landmark Irish battles for marriage equality and reform of Ireland's constitutional ban on abortion. But their greatest challenge lay before them. Love in a Time of Politics describes the cut and thrust of Katherine's life in government, as hospital visits to Ann Louise became a daily reality. It recalls pivotal political moments - such as securing the dignified exhumation of the children's remains at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home - alongside wrenching personal experiences - such as navigating grief following her wife's death in 2017, and the controversies of 2021, following her time in government. Ultimately, it is a deeply moving story of love and loss, and a testament to how resilience, hope and conviction can light even the darkest paths.