DPP lawmaker is orchid no longer

Some linked her setback to her father Chou Chiu-chin (周秋金), who critics said manipulated his daughter from behind the scenes. The senior Chou, a former bus driver, has been deeply involved in his daughter's professional life.

Chou Ya-shu's political eclipse did not last long, however.

Later the same year, she ran for the legislature and won a seat representing Taipei County's third district. Last December, she won a second term whereas Liao lost his seat for the same constituency.

Throughout her political career, Chou has been plagued by romantic scandals of one kind or another.

Some said she had an affair with Liao, while others owed her rise in politics to the assistance of several married men. Like most other single female politicians, she has to beg the public to focus their attention on her professional performance instead of her private life.

Earlier this year, she joined the Orchid Society (蘭社) formed by 20 single female lawmakers and Cabinet officials.

To guard their privacy, they keep the club's activities secret from the press.

Her membership of the society is expected to end now that she has been engaged.