Tributes from North for Haughey

Former Taoiseach Charles Haughey helped lay the groundwork for the peace process, it was claimed today.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan led his party’s tributes to the controversial former Taoiseach, who died today in his Dublin home after a long battle with illness.

Mark Durkan said: “Far beyond the character questions, the revelations and speculation recent years have raised, Charles Haughey should be remembered as a man who has made a positive and distinctive contribution to national life in Ireland.

“Innovative, thoughtful and committed as a minister, as Taoiseach he directly helped to incubate and nurture the peace process.

“He was a charismatic figure, who I found to always be personally gracious. He inspired many emotions in his career, which is a mark of his life and times and various achievements.

“At a personal level and on behalf of the SDLP, I extend our condolences to his wife, family and friends.”