Former Cabinet Minister Mary O’Rourke has died at the age of 87.
The Fianna Fáil TD was first elected to Longford-Westmeath constituency in November 1982 and went on to serve nearly 30 years in the Oireachtas.
She was appointed Minister for Education by Charles Haughey in 1987 and later served in the Departments of Health and Public Enterprise.
“A great character altogether, great fun and very friendly.” Voters react to the death of Mary O’Rourke who has died aged 87. @kierancuddihy @NewstalkFM @TheHardShoulder pic.twitter.com/3bAXc5aBh0
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) October 3, 2024
In 1994, Bertie Ahern asked her to serve as Fianna Fáil's deputy leader - the first woman to hold the role.
She remained in the role she until 2002 when she lost her seat in that year's General Election; afterwards, she became a member of Seanad Éireann but returned to the Dáil in 2007 when she re-gained her Longford-Westmeath seat.
In the 2011, a General Election was held in the wake of the EU/IMF bailout and Fianna Fáil's vote plummeted nationwide.
Ms O'Rourke was one of the many Fianna Fáil TDs to lose their seat and she retired from elected politics.
On The Hard Shoulder, her successor as Education Minister, Norma Foley, praised her as someone who was widely admired.
"She was affectionately known as 'Mammy' - because she was that, she was a Mammy to all," Minister Foley said.
"She was equally a woman of enormous determination and courage; she was a role model also, I think, for young women who had an interest in becoming involved in politics.
"I used to say to Mary that she paved the way [for us]."
Tánaiste Micheál Martin praised her as a "remarkable woman" who would be "deeply missed".
"It was a privilege to serve with her in cabinet from 1997-2002, where I witnessed firsthand her intelligence, leadership, and deep commitment to public service," he said.
"Beyond her political achievements, Mary was a commanding and engaging figure—an insightful observer of both political life and societal trends.
"Her wit and keen sense of the country, both in its present state and future potential, made her a cherished colleague and friend.
"My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time, especially Feargal and Aengus and her grandchildren."
Mary O Rourke arriving at the Mahon/Flood Tribunal in Dublin Castle, 05-04-2004. Image: RollingNews
