LAST UPDATE | 3 Oct

FORMER GOVERNMENT MINISTER Mary O’Rourke has died – she was 87.

O’Rourke, a well known commentator, had served in multiple Ministerial posts and was a stalwart of Fianna Fáil died today. 

She had also served as a senator but it was for her career in the Dáil that she was best known. She was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1982. 

O’Rourke was born in Athlone, County Westmeath, in 1937 and worked as a secondary school teacher before she began her political career.

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

She came from a political family – her father Patrick served as a TD, while her brother Brian Lenihan served as a Minister and Tánaiste. She was the aunt of Brian Lenihan Junior and Conor Lenihan – both of whom were Government Ministers. 

Like many current TDs she began her career at local level – she was elected to Athlone Urban District Council in 1974 and later in Westmeath County Council. 

She was widowed in January 2001, following the death of her husband, Enda. She is survived by her two sons, Aengus and Feargal.

Tributes paid

Condolences and tributes have poured in since the news of O’Rourke’s death was announced. 

Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has expressed “deep sadness” at the loss his party’s former deputy leader, who he described as “a cherished colleague and friend”. 

“Mary was a remarkable woman who made an outstanding contribution to Irish public life and to the modernisation of Ireland. As a member of a great political family, her contributions, alongside those of her father, brother, and nephews, left a lasting impact on our society.

Martin said O’Rourke’s career was marked by “her intelligence, versatility, and unwavering dedication”. 

“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.

Outside of her political career, Martin said O’Rourke was “a commanding and engaging figure – an insightful observer of both political life and societal trends”.

Toiaseach Simon Harris said is was “with great sadness” that he learned of the former minister’s death. 

“Mary was a force to be reckoned with, both in terms of political nous and in terms of being a magnetic personality that drew people in. She had a wicked sense of humour and a fantastic turn of phrase,” Harris said in a statement.

“However, Mary was a deft operator and her career, spanning three decades, saw her reach the top of Irish politics and take on the boy’s club, with vim.”

President Michael D Higgins extended his”deepest sympathies to O’Rourke’s family and friends.

He said: “Mary had a shrewd and magnetic approach to politics and politicians” and was “a deeply committed politician dedicated to serving the public”.

“The warmth of her personality was reflected in the wide appreciation held for Mary amongst both the public and her fellow members of the Oireachtas, and was respected in her continuing and wide-ranging engagement with so many parts of public life in the years following her political career.”

“She will be much missed by many both in her native Athlone and beyond,” the President said.

Terribly sad hearing Mary O'Rourke has died. A lady. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/P3s38ELzQC

— Alan Kinsella (@electionlit) October 3, 2024

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has paid tribute in a post on X. 

“She was unique, one of a kind.” 

“She has left a lasting legacy and served the country that she loved with such great distinction,” O’Brien said.

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke expressed his sympathies and said, “Mary gave exemplary public service throughout her career and even in retirement, shaped the national discourse on many issues”.

Fianna Fáil TD James O’Connor described her as “a wonderful mentor”.

“She would regularly reach out to those who sought her opinion and advice. A mother, a minister, a teacher and a dedicated public representative, she was a trailblazer for women in Irish politics. She will be sadly missed.” 

Independent MEP and former RTE correspondent Ciaran Mulloly  has said she was “hugely instrumental in the development of Athlone and the midlands over the last five decades” .

“Whether you agreed or disagreed with her politics, nobody can doubt her extraordinary personal influence on the growth of the region and its infrastructure.”

It is with deep sadness that Fianna Fáil learned of the death of former TD and Minister Mary O'Rourke.

Mary had a distinguished career as Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader, Minister for Education, Minister for Health & Children, Minister for Public Enterprise and Minister for Education. pic.twitter.com/LGgbanOgcZ

— Fianna Fáil (@fiannafailparty) October 3, 2024

The Green Party’s Pippa Hackett said she “had the pleasure of meeting Mary on several occasion. She was always impressive, inspiring and witty too.”

Sinn Féin’s foreign affairs spokesman Matt Carthy paid his respects on X and said: “I really liked Mary O’Rourke. Had a couple of very entertaining phone conversations some years back which still make me laugh. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”

Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers said O’Rourke was “an incredible lady who has left a lasting mark on Irish politics and Fianna Fáil”.