Archbishop Martin pays tribute to Haughey

Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has offered his sympathy on the passing of Charles Haughey and said Mr Haughey was a man who has engaged the people of Ireland for 40 years.

In a statement, Archbishop Martin said: “These days following the death of the former Taoiseach were not ones for writing history books. A full and balanced analysis of Mr Haughey’s impact on Irish life would take time and careful consideration.

“It should be remembered that Mr Haughey was a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and those closest to him should be afforded these days to grieve with peace and dignity.”

Ray McSharry, a staunch supporter of Mr Haughey and finance minister in the 1987 Haughey government, also expressed his sympathies to the family.

“Mr Haughey was a great family man. He wanted the best for all his family and for the people of Ireland, all Ireland,” Mr McSharry said.

“He was an outstanding constituency representative, a caring and reforming minister in many Government departments. As Taoiseach in difficult times, he presided over the laying of the foundation stones – both North and South – that has delivered unprecedented peace and prosperity for all our people.”