Union chiefs credit Haughey with tackling economic crisis

Union leaders paid tribute to Charles Haughey today heralding his foresight and determination in tackling the economic crisis which hit the country in the 1980s.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions noted the former Taoiseach’s success in securing a deal between workers and employers which became the bedrock for future social partnership agreements.

Both Congress and the country’s largest union, Siptu, praised Mr Haughey’s vision and ideas which helped spark economic recovery.

“He will be particularly remembered for his courtesy and for his vision in engaging with the unions, employers and farmers in 1987, to initiate the Program for National Recovery,” Congress said in a statement.

“This initiative was a unique adaptation of the European Social Dialogue process and it led to the Social Partnership model which we have today. It is a model which has given Ireland an unparalleled era of economic and social progress.

“We extend our sympathy to Mrs Maureen Haughey, Deputy Sean Haughey and to the entire Haughey family.”

The Executive Council of Congress enjoyed a good working relationship with Mr Haughey during his time in office, it said.

Siptu president Jack O’Connor praised Mr Haughey’s approach to resolving economic problems and securing deals between unions, employers and farmers.

“Despite the many controversies in which he became embroiled and the criticisms he attracted, sometimes justifiably, it will always remain to his credit that he had the foresight and determination to seek a negotiated solution to the enormous difficulties facing our economy in the late 1980s,” Mr O’Connor said.

“At a time when many of his contemporaries were beguiled by the futile politics of Thatcherism, he recognised the importance of organised workers in the trade union movement as a key element in tackling the problems facing our economy, laying the foundations for sustainable development and helping create our current prosperity.”

With his staunch supporter Ray McSharry at his side as Finance Minister in 1987, Mr Haughey has been credited with implementing strategies and policies which helped give rise to the Celtic Tiger.