‘A great father for so many reasons’

THE late Charles Haughey was “first and foremost” a great father, said his son, Seán, in a moving, personal tribute to the former Taoiseach.

Mr Haughey’s son offered an insight into the Charles Haughey that only his family knew as he delivered a “reflection” at the end of his father’s funeral Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Consolation in Donnycarney yesterday.

The Dublin North Central TD, who succeeded his father as a public representative for the constituency, sought to counteract much of the media criticism of his father’s political life by highlighting many of his positive attributes.

Despite all that had been written about the former Taoiseach in recent days, his son said he was “a great father for so many reasons”.

To large applause, Mr Haughey observed: “He always saw the good in his children and never the bad. He was always positive and never negative. What more could children ask for in a father?”

Charles Haughey also became “a father figure” to many others who sought out his help and guidance.

He loved young children, with whom he had a great affinity, especially his many grandchildren.

Seán Haughey said his family would always be grateful for the things he taught them, including “an awareness of nature, a feel for the sea, a practical respect for the environment, an appreciation of all things French and a deep love for the Irish nation”.

Addressing the fact that his father was the subject of much media criticism, the TD predicted that history “will be far more positive about my father’s legacy”.

The large congregation burst into applause when he remarked that people at home always took a more balanced view of the late Taoiseach.

Mr Haughey referred frequently to his father’s bond with ordinary people in whose affairs he had “a deep and genuine interest”.

“I believe this quality distinguished him from many other politicians,” said Mr Haughey.

To much laughter he recalled how his mother, Maureen once observed that “everyone seems to hate Charlie Haughey except the people”.

On behalf of his entire family, Mr Haughey thanked everyone for their presence at the funeral.

Mr Haughey acknowledged the fact that President McAleese cut short her State visit to Africa in order to attend the funeral.

He thanked Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for his practical help over recent weeks in planning yesterday’s ceremony as well as the assistance of his department.

Noting his father’s great respect for the institutions of the State, Mr Haughey also paid special thanks to the role of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in the funeral.

He said the Haughey family were also overwhelmed by the many messages of goodwill from members of the public.