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”.

True, too, that although contentious he was full to the brim with achievements that benefited immensely his constituents and the country.

That, of course, was not the entirety of the characterisation of Mr Haughey and to describe the man as merely controversial, as Mr Ahern did, is to understate a very often tendentious figure.

His persona was complex, both in his long political career and in his private life, and many of the traits, especially those relating to matters financial, attracted public disapproval.

His private affairs in that area too often were in the public domain and eventually were the vehicle which brought his presence to tribunals and the investigations that flowed from them.

Almost presidential in his style and approach, the former Taoiseach was formidable and intractable in many aspects of his life, from his lavish lifestyle to the corridors of power.

There were many attributes that contributed to make his a tenacious character, but it was that quality that formed one of the driving forces in Irish politics that was Charles Haughey.

In asserting he was a “patriot to his fingertips” through devoting all his energy to the betterment of his country, Mr Ahern may have somewhat overstated his virtues by reason of the occasion.

His patriotism may have been undeniable, but he reserved some of his not inconsiderable energy in the pursuit of trappings that were totally unrelated to the office of Taoiseach.

It was not for nothing that he attracted the soubriquet ‘the Boss’, a talented and controversial politician, who brooked no dissent in seeking to achieve ambitions.

Many would agree with Mr Ahern when he stated that the ultimate judgment of history will be positive, but history will have to be awaited to learn what that judgment may be.

In the absence of that future historic conclusion, it would be ungracious to acknowledge some of the achievements he made and they are well documented.

Equally, it would be implausible to posthumously vest in Charles Haughey characteristics that would deny his public persona, embodying as it did the foibles and shortcomings as well as his merits.

Mr Haughey’s influence in Ireland’s community was reflected in the attendance on this solemn, though impressive, occasion by literally every strand of society.

Although the obsequies was attended by President Mary McAleese, as well as dignitaries of Church and State, the judiciary and politics, the many thousands of ordinary people who paid their last respects bore testament to his affection and popularity in which they regarded him.

It also bore witness to the enduring legacy he left behind and the innovations he wrought which had a real and practical impact on the lives of normal people. Whether it was through the introduction of the Succession Act, free travel for old-age pensioners or the tax breaks for artists and instrumental in the very successful International Financial Services Centre, the former Taoiseach displayed tremendous common sense.

He deservedly won acclaim for achievements as Minister for Justice, where he had a reputation as a reformer. In the developments in Northern Ireland, Charles Haughey played an influential role, endorsing from the outset the tentative talks between John Hume and Gerry Adams, working with the former towards the Downing Street Declaration.

As far back as 1987, he initiated the concept of national wage agreements, bringing together what is now referred to as the social partners.

His demise marked the passing of an era, one which is indelibly etched in the memory of older generations and the role Mr Haughey played in its unfolding.

He enjoyed ministerial success in the ’60s, but then found himself in a political wilderness in the aftermath of the Arms Trial, which cleared him, having been sacked from the Jack Lynch government. It was a measure of the man that he emerged from that wilderness to be re-appointed to the Cabinet and eventually replace Lynch as leader of Fianna Fáil.

Charles Haughey remained as party leader from 1979 until 1992, serving three terms as Taoiseach, although overshadowed by speculation about the provenance of his wealth. Whether one admired him or not, he was undoubtedly a brilliant man, unflinching in adversity, a combative opponent and determined in achieving his aims.

Charles Haughey will be remembered as an exceptionally able minister, and strikingly competent, to those who encountered him throughout a very notable life, largely spent at the peak of the career he chose to follow.