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3rd October 2024
05:28pm BST
Former Irish minister Mary O'Rourke has passed away at the age of 87.
Ms. O'Rourke's political career spanned decades, during which she served as Minister for Education, Health and Public Enterprise, as well as Fianna Fáil's deputy leader.
She held the latter position between 1994 and 2002.
Ms. O'Rourke also was part of the Lenihan political family, with her brother being former Tánaiste Brian Lenihan.
Following news of her death, Taoiseach Simon Harris paid tribute to the politician.
"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," he said.
"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.
"She was a grassroots politician in every sense of the word and has written poignantly about the love and support of her husband and partner in life, Enda, and of the loss and grieving of his death. She sparked a conversation that many people found great comfort in.
"To all of Mary’s many friends and supporters in her beloved Athlone and beyond, I send my deepest sympathies as Taoiseach.
"To her sons, Aengus and Feargal, as well as her grandchildren, I am truly sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace."
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Mary O’Rourke https://t.co/f8OZpzoBth
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 3, 2024
President Michael D. Higgins also paid tribute to O'Rourke and offered condolences to her family.
He said: "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."
Main image via RollingNews.ie
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