The Taoiseach was among those who expressed condolences to the Minister for Public Enterprise and deputy leader of Fianna Fail, Ms O'Rourke, on the death of her husband. Mr Enda O'Rourke died yesterday morning in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin after suffering a severe stroke on Sunday.
Mr O'Rourke had been managing director of Midland Oil.
Mr Ahern said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of Enda's untimely death this morning. Through all the years I have known Mary, it was always clear that Enda provided her with support and advice, both personal and political, and that theirs was a special relationship, which has sustained her throughout her career in teaching and politics.
"Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm."