Former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary O’Rourke Dies at 87, Tributes Pour In from Across Ireland

Former Fianna Fáil minister and deputy party leader Mary O’Rourke has died at 87, her family has announced.

O’Rourke, a prominent figure in Irish politics, passed away peacefully in the care of the staff at Fern Dean nursing home in Deansgrange, surrounded by her family after a recent illness.

O’Rourke had a long political career spanning several decades, during which she served in the cabinets of Charles Haughey and Bertie Ahern. She was first elected to the Dáil for Longford-Westmeath in 1982 and held critical ministerial positions, including Minister for Education and later Minister for Public Enterprise.

My mum passed earlier this afternoon. To many she was a former teacher, politician, broadcaster, author but to myself and @CllrAengusOrour she was our mum. She loved us to bits ,taught us to respect everyone, to be honest , to work hard and study hard, to love our family. pic.twitter.com/1aWuEwLyhy

— Feargal O'Rourke (@FeargalORourke) October 3, 2024

During her tenure, she oversaw the privatisation of Telecom Éireann. She had a notable public clash with Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary due to her oversight of Aer Lingus and the state’s airports.

After losing her Dáil seat in 2002, O’Rourke was appointed to the Seanad by Ahern and served as leader of the house.

She returned to the Dáil in 2007 before losing her seat again in the 2011 general election. Known for her straight-talking style and political resilience, O’Rourke was a trailblazer for women in a predominantly male political environment.

O’Rourke came from a well-known political family. Her father, Paddy O’Rourke, was a Fianna Fáil TD in the 1960s, and her brother, Brian Lenihan Sr., also served as a minister in Haughey’s government, with both siblings serving together in the cabinet between 1987 and 1990.

Her nephews, Brian Lenihan Jr. and Conor Lenihan were also TDs and ministers, while her son, Aengus O’Rourke, is currently a Fianna Fáil councillor in Westmeath. Her other son, Feargal, a former PwC managing partner, paid tribute to her on social media, describing her as a mother who taught her children the value of respect, honesty, and hard work.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin described O’Rourke as a “remarkable woman” who significantly contributed to modern Ireland, praising her keen political insight and wit.

President Michael D. Higgins also expressed his condolences, noting her “shrewd and magnetic” political style and the widespread respect she garnered in public life and within the Oireachtas.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl expressed sympathy on behalf of the Dáil, noting her long and distinguished service.

Other political figures, including Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan and Sinn Féin TD Chris Andrews, echoed these sentiments, with Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman acknowledging her pivotal role in paving the way for female politicians.

Mary O’Rourke’s funeral will be held on Monday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan at noon.

Sola Adeniji

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