Charles J Haughey, RIP - Undeniably deft in spirit and ability

Yesterday, former Taoiseach Charles Haughey departed the political stage, ushered to eternal rest by the panoply of the State funeral he was accorded, but the spirit of the man he was will linger indefinitely.

Laudatory in his praise during the graveside oration, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern paid tribute to Mr Haughey for what he had achieved, but also referred briefly in passing to his failings.

It would be disingenuous to disagree with his sentiment that Charles Haughey was blessed with a “strong intellect, natural charisma and driving spirit which was to make him the dominant public figure in the late 20th century Ireland”.