Just Mary: How Mary O'Rourke Wrote Her Memoir

She’s been one of Ireland’s best known politicians for decades. And in her new memoir Just Mary: A Memoir, Mary O’Rourke tells the story of her extraordinary life. But how did she find the process of writing a memoir? Let’s find out...

Why did you decide to write a memoir?
After the General Election 2011, (in which like many other FF TDs I lost my seat), I decided I would write a book about my life, both personal and political.

How much were you able to draw on diaries and old letters to bring back memories?

I did, to a certain extent, but I mostly relied on my own personal memories, and the memories of my close family and friends.

What was the most enjoyable part of the process?

Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I cried, but I enjoyed the whole process because mostly it evoked old memories and old times – after all, when writing a memoir, you really get to live your live twice.

And the most challenging?

When Brian Lenihan Jnr. passed away in early June 2011, I found I could not write for nearly a month, but then I got back to it and found it a great relief to let out my emotions through the words.

Do you have any favourite political memoirs by other politicians, Irish or otherwise?
I enjoyed the recent biography of Fianna Fail by Noel Whelan, and I also enjoyed Tony Blair’s memoirs.