About Ivana
About Ivana
Rooted in Dublin Bay South - and a Grandchild of Immigrants
Ivana grew up in the Rathgar/Terenure area where her mother still lives; and she now lives down the road in Portobello with her young family.
Ivana is a keen cyclist and swimmer and can often be seen on her bike around town or taking a dip at the beautiful Half Moon Club on the South Wall pier at Poolbeg.
She works closely with Labour Councillors in Dublin Bay South on quality of life issues for our great communities, such as strengthening community services, improving cycle and active travel infrastructure, creating green spaces, and taking measures to enhance the wonderful amenity of Dublin Bay.
Ivana’s surname is Czech. Her paternal grandfather was imprisoned by the Nazis during WWII, and in 1946 he moved to Waterford with his family, including her father, then a child. Her mother’s side of the family are very proud Murphys from Co. Clare. Ivana has consistently highlighted the positive impacts of inward migration and has campaigned strongly for refugee rights.
A Lifelong Activist
Ivana is a barrister and spent many years in criminal practice. As Reid Professor of Criminal Law, she taught Criminal Law and Criminology at Trinity College Dublin until her election to the Dáil in 2021.
As a student union leader, she was taken to court and threatened with prison for providing information on abortion – a case which paved the way for the repeal of the Eighth Amendment and the legalisation of abortion in Ireland.
A long-time campaigner for constitutional change, Ivana has been a leading national and local voice for marriage equality, repeal the 8th and gender equality.
Ivana was one of the founders of the Portobello Educate Together multi-denominational school start-up group – which led to the foundation of the thriving Canal Way ETNS, Dublin 8 – she still sits on the board of the school.
An Experienced Legislator
Ivana was elected to Dáil Eireann to serve as TD for Dublin Bay South in July 2021, following a bye-election, and has been serving as leader of the Labour Party since March 2022.
Ivana was first elected to serve in Seanad Eireann in 2007 and was re-elected to the Seanad in the three following elections; she has seen more of her opposition bills become law than any other senator.
Her legislation has tackled issues such as working conditions for freelancers, democratic oversight for Dublin Bay, secular marriage rights, women’s health rights and LGBT equality.