Just Mary: A Political Memoir From Mary ORourke: A Political Memoir from Mary ORourke

I rail against the fact that there are many writers and commentators who in my opinion could be accused of breaching the code of incitement to hatred, in the way in which they write and talk about Fianna Fail. I feel it is strongly reprehensible and grossly unfair to the ordinary men and women throughout the country who are the foot soldiers, unpaid, of the party of Fianna Fail.

How dare people cast aspersions upon them? It is as if over all those years, the pent-up hatred of the success of Fianna Fail has cut loose and commentators are giving vent to it, and in a way that completely lacks proportion or even-handedness. It is nothing short of delusional on a grand scale to suggest, as O'Rourke does, that the negative reaction to Fianna Fail following the economic catastrophe has little to do with the activities of its members and leaders but is entirely down to jealously of Fianna Fail's success as a political party.

But as delusional as she may be it cannot be denied that O'Rourke is immensely popular with the media and general public.

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Her book is a best seller and has received an almost universally positive reaction. On principle I could not bring myself to add to O'Rourke's wealth by actually buying the book and so had to wait about two months to obtain it from my local library. When I finally got my hands on it the librarian asked me to return it as soon as possible as there was a long waiting list.

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It is disturbingly ironic that Irish citizens who probably cannot afford to buy the book principally because of the financial devastation caused by O'Rourke's beloved Fianna Fail are queuing up to read all about her absolute loyalty to that very party. Indeed, O'Rourke's popularity within the media and throughout the general public can be seen as a measure of just how far Irish citizens have to go before they grasp the true meaning of democratic accountability.

Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. This was my favourite Christmas read. It is most likely to be enjoyed by an Irish reader or a student of late 20th century Irish Politics. It is not by a long shot a political tome, rather it is about the life of a woman who became successful as a politician and Government Minister while maintaining a happy an contented family life.

It is like a conversation between the two parts of Mary O'Rourke. It is about a life filled with happiness, sadness, tragedy, excitement, disappointment and above all love. I highly recommend it. Memoirs by politicians are by their nature both cautious and biased and I was expecting that. However there was too much left out in the early stages that are essential to understanding the period. There could have been a much clearer sense of place given to Athlone and the society she grew up in.

That was a poor start, then the momentous events of the '80's were glossed over. Fianna Fail's internal battles are barely mentioned. The foundation of the Progressive Democrats is not mentioned. The Teacher's strikes of that occurred when she was Education Spokesmen for the opposition are also left out. The book immediately improves when she becomes Minister and the legislation she sponsored is well presented.

She is at her witty best when she describes the Taosigh of the period and yet is very fair to Haughey, Reynolds, Ahern and Cowen.

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There is a hilarious section where she is summonsed in by Albert Reynolds to be fired and he is trying to eat a hastily prepared sandwich at the same time. Similarly when she faces down Bertie Ahern with his 'limpid eyes,' as she describes how he tried to break a promise to support her for the Senate is superbly written.

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She is well able to poke fun at herself and the reader will feel for her as she describes the loss of those near and dear to her. If You Knew My Sister. The Heart's Invisible Furies.

Stalking of Julia Gillard. Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay. A Life Without You. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep. While I Was Sleeping. Escape to Cornwall with the perfect summer holiday read.

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Mary O'Rourke

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This page was last edited on 19 November , at By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Alan Dukes Transport, Energy and Communications. Nominated by the Taoiseach. Cultural and Educational Panel. Minister for Education — Minister for Health — Minister of State for Labour Affairs —