The Hiller Instinct: Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was born in 1921, just one year after women in the United States won the right to vote.  Given her intelligence and energy, it's quite possible she would have been the family's political star had she had that opportunity.

As one newspaper article in 1960 put it, Eunice was generally credited with being the most intellectual and politically minded of the Kennedy women.  But Eunice grew up before women achieved real political power, and when they were more often known by their husbands' accomplishments than their own.

Still, she was politically influential - and you can take that from her brother, Senator Ted Kennedy, remembering the days when another brother, John, was in the White House.

 "After President Kennedy was sworn in, he always joked that he feared seeing Eunice, because Eunice had an agenda," Senator Ted Kennedy once said.

And Eunice could make things happen outside the White House, too.  "Eunice is tireless and fearless and reflects a sense of goodness, so it's very difficult for people to say no to Eunice," Senator Kennedy said.

The Special Olympics Eunice created and nurtured into a worldwide organization for the disabled is a legacy that would make anyone proud.  And it's particularly remarkable in a family known for public service.

Addressing athletes at one Special Olympics ceremony, Eunice said, "Today, I know many of you will win.  But more important, you will be brave and bring credit to your parents and country."

Consider this:  Of all the Kennedys, Eunice may have the most impressive legacy.

It's true that JFK, Bobby and Ted Kennedy changed America.  But with her Special Olympics, Eunice changed the world.

I'm Andy Hillers, 7NEWS.

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