‘It’s the dream of a lifetime’

“IT’S an honour … I’m overwhelmed, excited and a very proud Carlow woman,” beamed a jubilant minister of state Jennifer Murnane O’Connor.

Last Wednesday, taoiseach Micheál Martin appointed Jennifer as minister of state at the Department of Health with special responsibility for public health, wellbeing and the national drugs strategy. She becomes Carlow’s first Fianna Fáil government minister in 44 years, the first female from the party in Carlow to be appointed a minister and only the third minister from the county since the foundation of the state.

The extraordinary honour of the appointment is not lost on Jennifer.

“I am honoured and privileged to have been appointed as minister of state for health in the 34th Dáil,” she said. “It’s the dream of a lifetime.” Jennifer admitted it was an anxious few days before the taoiseach’s announcement, as speculation mounted over just who would get their place around the government table.

“No-one knew, so on Tuesday night there were 38 people waiting by the phone … at five to ten Micheál Martin rang me and said he wanted me to be a minister of state at the Department of Health. He said he would be delighted to have me on the team. I said I would be honoured.

“I was just astounded and so grateful, absolutely thrilled. It’s also very emotional. I thought of everyone who’s helped and supported me – my family, my team, all the people who canvass for me … just so, so proud,” said Jennifer.

“I am thankful to the taoiseach for his confidence in my ability to undertake this important role. It is a role I will carry out with pride as a true Carlovian as I continue to work hard for the people of Carlow/Kilkenny,” she said.

Sworn to secrecy until the taoiseach made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, the new minister then had to remain silent about the greatest honour of her political career.

“People were ringing and texting asking if I heard anything and I’d to say ‘no, nothing’ … I’ve never told as many lies in my life,” she laughed.

A homecoming party was held in Carpenter’s Bar on Wednesday night as family, friends and well-wishers rolled out the red carpet for the new minister.