McAleese: Haughey showed 'grace and courage' in final illness

President Mary McAleese has extended her sympathy to the Haughey family on his death this morning from cancer.

“It is with sadness that I have learned of the death of former Taoiseach, Charles J Haughey,” she said.

“I offer heartfelt sympathy to his wife Maureen, his daughter Eimear and his sons Sean, Ciaran and Conor as they face the loneliness of his passing.”

Mrs McAleese, who is on a State visit to southern Africa, described Mr Haughey as a skilled parliamentarian.

“For 35 years Charlie Haughey played a highly significant, central and leading role in national politics,” she said.

“A proud man of considerable ability, charm, wit and intelligence, he was a skilled parliamentarian and an innovative legislator.

“Over the long years of his dynamic career, he weathered many storms and faced more than his share of drama and controversy.

“He confronted his long final illness with much dignity, grace and courage. He was deeply loved and will be hugely missed by his family, supporters and many friends at home and abroad.”