Divisive in death... as he was in life

DEAD politicians usually receive an easy passing as old grudges and controversies are buried along with them, but in death, as in life, Charles Haughey is different.

The Dáil chamber he by turns mastered and manipulated for so long, fell silent in tribute to his memory, but earlier the air had been alive with the sound of tutting and angry mutterings from the Fianna Fáil benches as Pat Rabbitte decided not to wait for history’s verdict on the ex-Taoiseach and delivered his own.

No natural light is allowed to penetrate the chamber, but the Labour leader was determined some, at least, would fall on what he called the “dark side” of CJ’s legacy.

After informing the House he did not intend to venture from “the common decencies that ought to be observed on an occasion like this” Mr Rabbitte acknowledged the former Taoiseach’s role in the peace process before partially blaming him for the Troubles in the first place.

“History should also record that he was involved in the genesis of the horror that was inflicted on us over 30 years,” Mr Rabbitte told TDs as the Government benches began to shuffle awkwardly.

The Labour leader praised Haughey’s talents, only to stress that he would “like” to be able to say they were applied exclusively for the public good.

In contrast, the tribute from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny was so eloquent it received a smattering of applause.

Though even Mr Kenny was not above a swipe against this “ruthless” man who was “as respected abroad as he was controversial at home”.

The PDs strained to find the right note with which to mark the passing of the man whose very existence provoked such controversy it brought about their creation in disgust.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern became briefly emotional as he noted his former mentor would be buried on Bloomsday and his “colourful” life had been every bit as interesting as the Joyce character’s. Well you certainly couldn’t have made Charlie up.

It was probably the final time Mr Haughey will dominate a Dáil session — but Charlie being Charlie, I wouldn’t bet on it.