'A cherished colleague and friend': Tánaiste leads Cork tributes to ‘remarkable’ Mary O’Rourke

A former minister for education and deputy leader of Fianna Fáil, Mary O’Rourke was described as “a remarkable woman who made an outstanding contribution to Irish public life and the modernisation of Ireland” by her former Cabinet colleague, Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, following the announcement of her death at 87 yesterday.

Her son Feargal O’Rourke announced her death on social media saying: “My mum passed earlier this afternoon. To many, she was a former teacher, politician, broadcaster, author, but to myself and Aengus O’Rourke 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.”

A sister of former tánaiste Brian Lenihan Sr and aunt of former finance minister Brian Lenihan Jr and ex-minister of state Conor Lenihan,
Ms O’Rourke was appointed to two senior Cabinet positions by Charles Haughey — she became minister for education in 1987 and served until 1991, and was appointed to the health portfolio in July 1991, serving until
February 1992.

When Fianna Fáil returned to power in 1997, then taoiseach Bertie Ahern appointed her minister for public enterprise as well as making her deputy leader of Fianna Fáil.

She served in the Seanad from 2002 to 2007 when she was leader of the Upper House.

President Michael D Higgins said 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 added that she had a “shrewd and magnetic approach to politics”.

In his tribute to Ms O’Rourke, Mr Martin said that her distinguished career in politics “was marked by her intelligence, versatility, and
unwavering dedication”.

He added: “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 to 2002, where I witnessed first-hand her intelligence, leadership, and deep commitment to public service.”

He also remarked on her life beyond politics
as Ms O’Rourke was an author as well as a
frequent contributor to debates on TV and radio following her retirement.

He said: “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.”

In his tribute to Ms O’Rourke, Taoiseach
Simon Harris described her as a “force to be reckoned with, both in terms of political nous and in terms of being a political personality that drew people in”.

He said: “Mary was a deft operator and her
career, spanning three decades, saw her reach the top of Irish politics and take on the boys’ 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.”

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, said that Ms O’Rourke had achieved “in a political system where women’s involvement remains far too little”.