Haughey not ‘seriously ill’

REPORTS of Charles J Haughey’s deteriorating health have been exaggerated, according to friends of the former Taoiseach.

Mr Haughey is receiving ongoing treatment for prostate cancer at two Dublin hospitals, a long-standing friend told the Irish Examiner last night, but it continues to be of routine rather than of a very serious nature.

“He is less well than he was six months ago but he is still in good form,” said the friend, who did not wish to be named.

“He is not bed-ridden by any means and is certainly not as seriously ill as has been suggested by some newspaper reports this weekend.”

Mr Haughey, who will be 80 in September, was first diagnosed with cancer a decade ago and his worsening health precluded him from giving further evidence at the Moriarty Tribunal in 2001.

He receives regular treatment at the Bon Secours and Mater hospitals in Dublin for his condition.

Coincidentally, a major documentary on the former Taoiseach will be broadcast on RTÉ later this month.

For months, it was rumoured that the four-part series would feature an interview with Mr Haughey, the first he has given in a decade, other than contributions to Sean O Mordha’s ‘Seven Ages’ documentary.

However, Mr Haughey did not ultimately accede to the interview request though he gave permission to the programme makers to speak to his family and closest friends about his life and controversial career.

Meanwhile, former Justice Minister Sean Doherty remained in intensive care at Letterkenny General Hospital last night after suffering a brain haemorrhage on Saturday.

He took ill while on a holiday break in Donegal with his wife Maura.

His four daughters were at his bedside last night.