Former senator and Lir Chocolates co-founder Mary White, who has died aged 81, has been remembered by Taoiseach Micheál Martin as a “force of nature” with “an infectious energy and a true commitment to public service”.
Ms White was a Fianna Fáil senator from 2002 to her retirement in 2016 and she held the position of honorary vice-president of the party for a number of years.
She established the successful Lir Chocolates brand along with fellow businesswoman, the late Connie Doody, during a recession in the 1980s.
Ms White died peacefully at home on Sunday following a long illness.
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Mr Martin said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Ms White’s death.
He said: “Mary entered national politics having achieved very impressive business success” noting how Ms White and Ms Doody had “built and cultivated a highly successful Irish company and international brand”.
“Mary understood the challenges faced by small business and worked tirelessly to promote the development of small, indigenous industry as a key plank in the country’s economic development and success.”
He said Ms White, who was Fianna Fáil’s spokeswoman on enterprise in the Seanad, was “always championing the interests and priorities of small business”.
Mr Martin said she had “a can-do attitude” and believed politics was about delivering for people.
“She was a force of nature, the parliamentary party and politics were richer for her presence. Mary was very kind and caring and generous with her time.”
He noted that she had cared deeply about her country and remained dedicated to the implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
“In this, she drew on her business and political relationships, north and south of the border,” he said on Monday.
“Mary was devoted to her husband Pádraic and daughter Cliona and they to her. Today, we think of Pádraic, Cliona, Mary’s sisters and brother as they mourn her passing.”
