Charles Haughey: Saint or sinner?

The caricature that haunts the established history of late 20th century Ireland is one of a greed-driven, venal, ruthless figure who sacrificed all in the pursuit of power. Such a picture is only partly true
Charles Haughey in his Home Abbeville in North County Dublin in 1982

Charles Haughey in his Home Abbeville in North County Dublin in 1982

On the death of Charles Haughey in June 2006, his protégé and successor as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said of the man he called ‘boss’: “Charles Haughey made a huge impact on Irish life over a 35-year political career. I have no doubt [history’s] ultimate judgement on Mr Haughey will be a positive one.”

Inherent in Ahern’s comments of Haughey was the fact that many saw Haughey’s influence on Irish political life as a largely malign one, a corrosive one.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

More in this section

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Get a lunch briefing straight to your inbox at noon daily. Also be the first to know with our occasional Breaking News emails.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited