McCreevy pays tribute to Tánaiste

EUROPEAN Commissioner and former Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy described Mary Harney as one of the outstanding politicians of her generation in a statement issued after she announced her resignation.

Mr McCreevy was a major figure in devising the Progressive Democrat’s liberal economic policy before it was officially established, but lost patience with the fledging party and subsequently refused to leave Fianna Fáil.

However, he and Ms Harney have remained strong political and personal friends, sharing a political philosophy and regularly sharing holidays with family and friends.