From the Troubles to Triumph: The Inspiring Journey of Sinn Féin's MP Pat Cullen

Pat Cullen, the Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, recounts her remarkable journey growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, where she experienced regular stops and searches by the Army yet never felt inferior. As the youngest of seven siblings, Cullen’s upbringing was heavily influenced by her mother, who instilled a sense of faith and caution—sprinkling holy water for protection and insisting on early departures for safety when traveling.

Cullen, who entered the nursing profession following her sisters, faced scrutiny as a community nurse navigating both nationalist and loyalist areas. Despite challenges, she found support from women in the communities she served, highlighting solidarity amidst division. Throughout her extensive career, she rose to leadership in the Royal College of Nursing, where she transitioned from a non-striking to a striking union advocating for better pay and conditions for nurses.

Significantly, she recounts her experiences in Westminster, where her presence as a republican politician stirred mixed reactions. She notably emphasizes her appreciation for support from MP Jim Shannon during pivotal moments, illustrating collaboration across political lines.

Cullen’s reflections provide a unique perspective on identity, resilience, and the shifting political landscape in Northern Ireland, capturing the essence of one woman’s commitment to social change amid turmoil. You can catch her full interview on the BBC Red Lines podcast.