Local political figures pay tribute to Mary O’Rourke, RIP
Local political figures have paid tribute this evening Mary O’Rourke, RIP.
In a statement, Robert Troy, TD, said: “I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mary O’Rourke, former minister, TD, senator, leader of the Seanad, and county councillor.
“I first met Mary more than 20 years ago when I was a young aspiring politician, and she was a veteran and formidable politician with decades of experience in public service. Mary and I eventually ran on the same general election ticket in 2011 along with the late Peter Kelly.
“Mary was a remarkable public representative who never shirked from speaking her mind in the best interest of her constituents. She was an outstanding constituency TD for Westmeath, and we must all acknowledge the transformative impact she had on the development of Athlone into one of the country’s most vibrant and prosperous towns.
“Mary was a forward-looking, reforming minister, particularly in the Dept of Education, where she made far-reaching improvements to Ireland’s education system, a legacy she can be proud of as Ireland now has one of the most advanced education systems in the world.
“Her loss will be felt by all of us within the Westmeath Fianna Fáil family, and all of the constituents whom she worked so hard for over the years.
“I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to my colleague, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, his brother Feargal and all of the wider O’Rourke and Lenihan families.”
In a statement, Donie Cassidy, former TD and leader of Seanad Éireann, said: “I was very sorry to hear of the passing of former constituency colleague Mary O’Rourke. Mary was a hard-working public representative who started out as a member of Athlone UDC; she served on Westmeath County Council, was chair of Westmeath VEC, a member of Seanad Éireann in 1981, and Dáil Éireann in 1982.
As an Oireachtas member and holder of many ministries, Mary changed the face of Athlone over 40 years and was a massive worker in ensuring major funding for the town during that time.
“I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to her sons Aengus and Fergal and the extended O’Rourke and Lenihan families.”
Statement by President Michael D Higgins.
“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 among 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.
“Síocháin siorraí le a h-anam.”