Career
In May 2011, she was nominated by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the 24th Seanad. At the launch of Renua Ireland in March 2015, O'Brien was announced as a party candidate. The Sunday Times and the Irish Daily Mail reported that she was not a party member.
O'Brien clarified that she would remain independent while a Senator and join Renua to stand at the 2016 general election.