Mary O'Rourke
Best holiday?Portugal, when my sons were younger and Enda was still alive. In a coastal village in a lovely low-rise hotel with cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. The children loved it and I remember it with great fondness.
Worst holiday?For a few years we went to Spiddal and loved it. But one year it rained for 13 out of 14 days and I had two boys and a husband cooped up inside a mobile home.
Dream holiday?I went to Madeira with my sister-in-law Ann and niece Anita. We stayed right beside the water, it was quiet and there was no honky tonk. It was after Brian's death and I got a lot off my chest, it was a very cathartic week. So I'd like to go there again, in the same company.
Favourite place in Ireland?Valentia, Co Kerry, where Enda and I went for several years. I was never so happy as in Portmagee. There was such a connection between myself and Enda. But I couldn't bear to go there now as I miss him so much.
Holiday reading?I usually save up a few paperbacks for holidays. But I never get to read them as I'm too busy talking.
Where to next?I've no plans for next year yet.
In conversation with
GENEVIEVE CARBERY
* Former minister Mary O’Rourke’s memoir Just Mary is published by Gill MacMillan, €22.99.