Fianna Fáil picks Mary O’Rourke’s son for by-election

The former minister Mary O’Rourke is likely to find herself back on the campaign trail after her son, Aengus O’Rourke, was chosen by Fianna Fáil to contest a Dáil seat in next month’s by-election in Longford-Westmeath.

The Athlone councillor was selected after his cousin, Anita Lenihan — a sister of the late Brian Lenihan — was beaten in her attempt to represent the party in Dublin West at a convention on Monday night.

Mr O’Rourke is the latest candidate from one of the country’s most famous dynasties and was chosen at a convention last night, immediately criticising the current Fine Gael-Labour government as “astonishingly out of touch”.

The Government is today expected to announce plans to hold both by-elections on May 23, on the same day as the local and European elections.

The Longford-Westmeath by-election is taking place following the passing of the Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden, whose sister Gabrielle is clear favourite to win the seat.

Mr O’Rourke said last night: “Despite the very sad circumstances of this by-election, I am honoured to have been chosen to represent the party.

“The speed with which this Government has become completely out of touch with the experiences of ordinary people has been shocking.”

He is the youngest of Mary O’Rourke’s two sons and moved back from Dublin to Athlone in 2005, where he set up a printing company.