She only discovered that the organisation mentioned in the employment ad was Fianna Fáil, one of Ireland's two major political parties, once she had been offered a job interview.

[3][2] She won the job, despite an intimidating encounter with Charles Haughey during the interview, and became Fianna Fáil's press officer at Leinster House.

[3] O'Kelly put together the photographs published in "The Spirit of the Nation: the Speeches and Statements of Charles J Haughey (1957-86)," a book edited by Martin Mansergh.

In March 1987, Fionnuala O'Kelly was appointed the head the Government Information Service, becoming the first woman to lead the agency.

[3] On the first day of the 31st Dáil on 9 March 2011, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin sent his regards to her in the chamber after her husband was elected Taoiseach.