The Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, fulfilled the last scheduled engagement of her ministerial career yesterday by re-opening the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry. The Minister was marking the culmination of a €15 million capital expenditure programme at the hotel, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2004.

She described the Great Southern chain as "one of the jewels in the crown of State enterprise", referring to the Killarney hotel as a "magnificent landmark" and "a home from home".

The renovation work on the hotel, initially constructed in 1854 at a cost equating to €65,000, lasted seven months.

The facility now offers guests a total bedroom capacity of 173, as well as a spa, conference centre and business centre.

Ms O'Rourke lost her Dáil seat for the Westmeath constituency to running mate Senator Donie Cassidy in last month's General Election.