Cancer battle claims Haughey

Former Taoiseach Charles Haughey died today after a long battle with cancer.

The 80-year-old died this morning at his beloved north Dublin home in Kinsealy with his family at his bedside.

His wife Maureen, daughter Eimear and his sons Conor, Ciaran and Fianna Fáil TD Sean had been with him for the last few days.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced the former leader’s death.

He said: “I have learned with great sadness of the death today of the former Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil, Mr Charles Haughey. It is a very sad occasion, and marks the passing of an era.

“On behalf of the Government and Fianna Fáil, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen, his daughter Eimear, and his sons, Conor, Ciaran and Sean, as well as his wider family.”

Mr Haughey's health had deteriorated significantly over the past few months as he fought prostate cancer and complications brought on by the disease, including secondary tumours and a heart condition. He was also treated for pneumonia at Dublin’s Mater Hospital in April.

He had been hospitalised several times but the lifelong politician had expressed his wish to spend his final hours at his Kinsealy home.

It is understood arrangements are being put in place for a State funeral for Mr Haughey, who served as Taoiseach three times, with a Mass to be held in his north Dublin constituency of Donnycarney.

Mr Ahern and members of the Government were kept up to date with Mr Haughey’s condition in his final days.

Mr Ahern said Mr Haughey had made a huge impact on Irish life over a 35-year political career starting in the late 1950s, serving as Taoiseach three times.

“He served with distinction in every ministerial position that he held, and his many imaginative initiatives are remembered.

“He brought in most of the free schemes for the elderly, as well as generous pension increases between 1980 and 1982.”