Mary O'Rourke's memoir set to be released in October

Former Minister Mary O'Rourke has finished writing a memoir about her life in politics, which is due to be published by Gill & Macmillan in October. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent yesterday (Tuesday), Ms O'Rourke said launches of the book will take place in Dublin and in her native Athlone. She has not yet decided what the book's title will be. "We are all scratching our heads trying to come up with a title for it. We're open to suggestion," she stated. "It will be a memoir about many of the episodes in my life, and the people I encountered over the years." The writing of the book has been completed and editorial changes are now being made to its transcript. "I think it will be a good read, but that will be up to the readers to decide," she commented. October 19 is the provisional launch date. Given Ms O'Rourke's involvement at the forefront of Government for many years, the book is likely to be keenly anticipated in political circles. A former teacher, Ms O'Rourke was elected as a Fianna Fáil Senator in 1981, before winning a seat in the Dáil the following year. She went on to hold a number of Ministerial posts, including the Ministries of Education, Health, and Transport. She is also a former Deputy Leader of the Fianna Fáil party. Her career as a public representative came to an end when she lost her Dáil seat in the General Election in February 2011.