A rare update on the health of former government Minister and Fianna Fail politician has been provided by her son.
The 85-year-old veteran politician is beloved in her native Westmeath and beyond but has spent much of this year in hospital and was at times "very ill."
However, the former Minister for Education is now at home and looking in great form and good health after being pictured with her son, Aengus, a local councillor at Westmeath County Council.