O'Rourke, Mary (1937–)

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O'Rourke, Mary (1937–)

Irish politician. Born Mary Lenihan, May 1937, in Athlone, Ireland; dau. of P.J. Lenihan (TD, Longford Westmeath, 1965–70); sister of Brian Lenihan (TD, Roscommon Leitrim); m. Enda O'Rourke.

Began career as secondary schoolteacher; representing Fianna Fáil, elected to the 24th Dáil (1982–87) for Longford Westmeath; returned to 25th-26th Dáil (1987–1992) for Longford Westmeath and 27th-28th Dáil (1992–2002) for Westmeath; appointed deputy leader of Fianna Fáil (1994); served as minister for Education (1987–91), minister for Health (1991–92), and minister for Public Enterprise (1997–2002); was one of the Taoiseach's nominees to the Seanad (2002).

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O'Rourke, Mary (1937–)

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