Is there a touch of the Charlie Haugheys about our President, Mary McAleese? She was born and grew up in Belfast but lays claim to being from Derry (her mother), Roscommon (her father), Dublin, Meath and Co Down (where she lived for various periods). Now she has added the Middle East to the list.
Visiting the Jewish community recently, she told them her ancestors were Sephardic Jews. What? You heard right. She did indeed say so. When Quidnunc sought further details, her spokesperson said the President knows no more. The belief was handed down in her family that several hundred years ago they were Sephardic Jews from Spain who settled in Ireland. Those who know the story are all dead and it would require a huge family gathering to find out more. But, says the spokesperson, if anyone would like to research the genealogy, the President would be interested.