Tánaiste expresses sympathy to Haughey's family

An Tánaiste Mary Harney has expressed her sympathies to Mr Haughey's family on his death this morning.

She said: “When Charles Haughey retired as Taoiseach in 1992, the government he had led had set the foundations for the historic achievements of our country since then, the peace process and our economic recovery.

“In particular, the success of Ireland’s International Financial Services Centre is a living tribute to his boldness and determination. His legacy also includes the vibrancy of the arts in Ireland, and the excellence of the renovated Government Buildings.”

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny paid his respects to “Charles Haughey the man: father, husband, grandfather, parliamentary colleague“.

“I’ve known Charles Haughey throughout my political career and found him to be personally warm, engaging, thoughtful and courteous,” he said.

“Obviously, Mr Haughey the politician will dominate news and commentary over the coming days, with public debate of numerous aspects of his political career, becoming his lot, perhaps, in perpetuity. In life, I believe Mr Haughey bore his humiliations with dignity and, no doubt, personal pain.

“Personally and on behalf of Fine Gael, I extend deep sympathy to Maureen, their children and to Mr Haughey’s wider family and friends. On this day, especially, I’m sure there are many people in Ireland, who hope as I do, that for all of us, there will be kindness at the end.”