'A force to be reckoned with' Former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary O'Rourke passes away at 87

Former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary O'Rourke has passed away at 87 years old.

She was a Fianna Fáil TD for almost 30 years, served as deputy leader of the party, and was leader of the Seanad. She was first elected as a TD for Longford-Westmeath in November 1982.

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Taoiseach Simon Harris has paid his respects following her passing:

"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.

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."

President Higgins has also paid his respects to the long serving politician.

"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."