FORMER Minister Mary O’Rourke has admitted she’s over the moon to get visits from her grandchildren as restrictions ease.
The former Fianna Fail politician, 83, has been sheltering at home since the lockdown started on March 27.
And she’s only been able to see her grandchildren from a car window, which she described as “terrible”.
Mary told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “I haven’t seen my grandchildren, apart from through the window of a car. They blow kisses at me. I’ve missed them so much.”
The grandmother-of-six had been isolating at home up until the Government had issued advice that older people could go outside while socially distancing.
Mary said: “I’d been in my garden, reading poetry, writing, it was very mindful.
“But it’s hard to explain the exhilaration I felt when I was able to turn the key in the door and get into my car and see people walking down the street.
“I was going nowhere but it meant everything at the time. The little things were amazing and from now on I hope we don’t take the little things for granted.
“I am looking forward to having visitors, to seeing family and friends.
“It was very hard, it’s been a terrible time.
“It’s been so difficult for everyone, for parents, for those on the frontline, for those at home alone.”
The ex-politician told how she had felt sorry for lovers who’d been separated during the pandemic.
Mary added: “I think it’s been very sad that people hadn’t been able to be intimate during this time.
“I think they’ll be able to now, on Monday. I hope they will.
“And I hope we have a much better time.”
