Haughey took from Lenihan funds

CHARLES HAUGHEY misappropriated at least £45,000 from funds raised to cover the late Brian Lenihan’s medical expenses and may, in fact, have taken as much as £194,000.

Mr Lenihan was Minister for Foreign Affairs when he underwent a liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic in the US in the run-up to the 1989 general election.

When it became apparent that the VHI would not meet the full costs involved, Mr Haughey decided money would be raised to pay the excess. But he also decided he would avail of the opportunity to benefit himself, the tribunal found.