The death has been announced of former Westmeath TD, Mary O’Rourke. She was 87.
Ms O’Rourke was first elected to the Dáil in the Longford-Westmeath constituency in November 1982 and would go on to serve as Minister for Education, Health and Public Enterprise over the course of a political career spanning four decades.
Ms O’Rourke served as Minister for Education under Charlie Haughey in 1987, followed by Minister for Health in 1991.
In 1997, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern appointed her deputy leader of Fianna Fáil along with Minister for Public Enterprise. Ms O’Rourke’s husband, Enda, a retired businessman, died in 2001. They had two sons, Aengus and Fergal, and six grandchildren.
Posting on social media Ms O’Rourke’s son, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke paid tribute to his late mother, saying: “It is with great personal sadness and with a very heavy heart that I share with you the news that my mother Mary passed away peacefully this afternoon. May she Rest In Peace.”
“A shrewd and magnetic approach to politics and politicians”
President Michael D. Higgins has led tributes to Ms O’Rourke, describing her “shrewd and magnetic approach to politics and politicians.”
“It is with great sorrow that so many of her friends, colleagues and former constituents will have learned of the death of Mary O’Rourke.
Mary and so many members of her family – including her father PJ Lenihan, brothers Brian and Paddy, nephews Brian and Conor, and son Aengus – have made a distinguished contribution, and at the highest level, to Irish political life.
Mary had a shrewd and magnetic approach to politics and politicians.
As a Minister, Minister of State, Leader of the Seanad, TD, Senator and Councillor, Mary O’Rourke 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.
May I extend my deepest sympathies to Mary’s sons Aengus and Feargal, to her grandchildren, and to all of her many colleagues and friends.
“An insightful observer”
Tánaiste and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin TD has expressed deep sadness to learn of the death of former TD and Minister Mary O’Rourke. In a statement, Mr Martin described Ms O’Rourke as “an insightful observer of both political life and societal trends.”
“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.
“Her distinguished career as Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil, Minister for Education, Minister for Health, Minister for Public Enterprise was marked by her intelligence, versatility, and unwavering dedication. As Minister for Education she championed reform during challenging fiscal times, always supporting a liberal and holistic approach.
“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.
“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. She will be deeply missed.”
