ELECTION OF FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT IN CHILE

Early day motion 1368, tabled 16 January 2006 by Joan Ruddock (Labour). Signed by 128 members.

That this House congratulates Michelle Bachelet on her election as President of Chile, the first female head of state in South America; applauds her principled election campaign in which she described herself as 'a woman, a socialist, separated and agnostic — all the sins together'; and notes her distinguished career as first health and then defence minister in the centre left coalition government, her torture and detention under the Pinochet regime and her consistent support for women and human rights.

Signatures by party: Labour 104, Liberal Democrat 14, Conservative 4, Scottish National Party 2, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.