No other minister would have had the interest, much less stubbornness, to push through the first undersea fibreoptic cable deal
Mary O’Rourke: a committed and visionary minister who laid the groundwork for Ireland's leading position in technology. Photograph: Alan Betsonwas groundbreaking in so many ways, not least as one of the most powerful women in modern Irish politics during one of the most transformative moments for women in politics here. But her most important achievement is rarely mentioned at all, though it has utterly reshaped Ireland.
This changed the State from being a tiny appendix connected primarily to the UK’s internet backbone, to an independent powerhouse able to offer direct connections to US tech companies I interviewed her for a big story for the Guardian in September 1998, heady and formative times for anyone interested in technology and the remarkable tech and economic revolution happening in Ireland.I remember the pivotal moment at which it took place.
She formed the committee after reading a Forfás report ... which warned that a special EU derogation that let Telecom Éireann opt out of industry deregulation was stunting telecoms and business growth She formed the committee after reading a Forfás report that same year, which warned that a special EU derogation that let Telecom Éireann opt out of industry deregulation was stunting telecoms and business growth. Two months later she removed the derogation, created the Act, and began work on encryption policy. She told me she had become “evangelical” about digital transformation, recognising the existing, increasingly worrisome political vacuum.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Patrick Kielty shares how his Irish mammy Mary still tries to do his washingThe comedian and broadcaster might be one of the most successful faces in Irish showbusiness, but that doesn't mean that his mum isn't still trying to take care of him
Read more »
Mary Lou McDonald speaks about husband’s cancer diagnosis and father’s passingThe Sinn Fein president’s husband Martin Lanigan was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year - while Mary was recovering from a hysterectomy
Read more »
Mary O’Rourke, former Fianna Fáil minister, dies aged 87The politician was a much loved character, being fondly referred to as 'Mammy O'Rourke' over the years, as her influence surpassed her various political roles over a four-decade-long career
Read more »
Mary O’Rourke, former Fianna Fáil minister and deputy party leader, dies aged 87The former TD has died at the age of 87
Read more »
Former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary O'Rourke dies, aged 87Mary O'Rourke served as a TD between 1982 and 2002 and again from 2007 to 2011. She represented both the Westmeath and Longford/Westmeath constituencies
Read more »
Tributes Paid to Former Minister Mary O'Rourke After Her Death at 87Former Fianna Fáil TD and Minister Mary O'Rourke has passed away at the age of 87. Known affectionately as 'Mammy', she served nearly 30 years in the Oireachtas, holding ministerial roles in Education, Health, and Public Enterprise. She was also the first woman to serve as Fianna Fáil deputy leader.
Read more »