The longest-serving First Minister of Scotland, Ms Sturgeon was a defining figure in modern Scottish and UK politics.

She was in office during a decade shaped by the Brexit campaign and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Incredibly, her period in power coincided with five different UK prime ministers – all of whom were Conservative Party leaders and included David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

Elected First Minister in November 2014, Ms Sturgeon led Scotland until March 2023.

Before becoming First Minister, Ms Sturgeon served as Deputy Leader of the Scottish National Party and played a central role in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum campaign.

As a senior figure in the ‘Yes’ campaign, she helped bring Scotland to the brink of independence, leading the national conversation on constitutional change and Scotland’s future.

Born in Irvine in 1970, she joined the SNP at 16 and has been active in public life ever since.

A qualified solicitor, she worked at Drumchapel Law Centre before being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a representative for Glasgow.

She later won the Glasgow Govan constituency in 2007 and subsequently represented Glasgow Southside.

Upon becoming leader of the Scottish National Party she led the party to the greatest electoral strength in its history.

Ms Sturgeon will deliver the 26th annual Philip Monahan Memorial Lecture at University College Cork (UCC).

Ireland’s first local authority manager, Mr Monahan served as City Commissioner and later City Manager in Cork from 1924 to 1959, shaping the development of modern public administration in Ireland.

The lecture series was developed to honour his legacy.

UCC Department of Government official Dr Aodh Quinlivan said it was an honour to have Ms Sturgeon deliver the address.

“As one of the most prominent political leaders in Europe in recent years, her experience at the highest levels of government offers a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with a leader who has navigated complex constitutional, social and economic challenges. It promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking occasion,” he said.

The lecture takes place at 12pm on Monday (March 9) in the Aula Maxima, UCC.

The event is free of charge, but prior registration is required and can be obtained by emailing government@ucc.ie.