Ireland’s 55 yr old Mary Patricia McAleese, born in Belfast Northern Ireland, was inaugurated on 11 November 1997 as the eighth President of Ireland; the first time in history that a woman had succeeded another woman as an elected head of state anywhere in the world.  She was re-elected, without contest, to another seven-year term in 2004. McAleese's very high job approval ratings were widely seen as the reason for her re-election. The first individual born in Northern Ireland to become President of Ireland, she is the author of the book “Love In Chaos….Spiritual Growth and the Search for Peace in Northern Ireland”. McAleese has said that the theme of her presidency is "building bridges". Prior to becoming president she was a barrister, journalist and academic. Forbes ranked her the 55th most powerful woman in the world on a list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. Since November 19, 2005 she is the longest-serving current female elected Head of State following the retirement of Chandrika Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka.