She was highly critical of Margaret Thatcher and the British Government, and became a noted supporter of the Anti H-Block movement.

She also controversially called on Fianna Fáil voters to give preference votes for Anti H-Block candidates in the 1981 general election.

This caused tension within the local Fianna Fáil party, for one of the other candidates, Séamus Brennan, was a prominent opponent of Haughey.

De Valera narrowly failed to be elected, losing to another Fianna Fáil candidate, Niall Andrews.

She introduced broadcasting legislation in 1999 to ensure that the public could continue to watch the most important sporting events on ordinary television.

She resigned as Minister of State on 8 December 2006, and was succeeded by a member of another Irish political family, Seán Haughey.