Haughey accolades mixed with annoyance

Dáil Sketch: The national flag flew at half-mast over Leinster House yesterday as Charles Haughey was remembered in the Dáil chamber he had dominated for so long. Most of the tributes were personal and generous but the hugely divisive controversies that marked his political life inevitably broke through the accolades.

There was some annoyance on the Fianna Fáil benches when Labour leader Pat Rabbitte questioned Mr Haughey's political legacy and challenged the version of recent history enunciated by the Taoiseach. There were also some critical comment from Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. "For a man who is often blamed for the arms crisis it was ironic that the Stickies and the Provos were united against him today," said one Fianna Fáil Minister leaving the chamber.

The special tributes began with Bertie Ahern listing Mr Haughey's achievements and going on to say he was "proud to have served with him and prouder still to have called him a friend". The Taoiseach did say that Mr Haughey's achievements "have become clouded by the revelations that are the subject of inquiry by the Moriarty tribunal". He added, however: "History will have to weigh up both the credit and the debit side more dispassionately than may be possible today but I have no doubt its ultimate judgment on Charlie will be favourable."

Enda Kenny said that while there would in time be much discussion about Mr Haughey the politician, "on the day of his death, I want to talk about Mr Haughey the man". The Fine Gael leader added: "Charles Haughey was, in his time, an outstanding figure in Irish politics, in terms of intellect and ambition. He was also mercurial. To the degree that he was in many ways a perfect contradiction, with an ability to be both charming and ruthless in a heartbeat. I would imagine that anyone summoned to his presence didn't forget the occasion very quickly."

Mr Rabbitte concurred that it was not a time to engage in political controversy but he did say that it would be hypocritical not to acknowledge that there was "a darker side". He took issue with the Taoiseach for attributing the peace process to Mr Haughey, saying that he was also involved in the creation of the horror of 30 years. "Some analysis needs to be done on that and also needs to be done on his opposition to the Anglo Irish Agreement." As the Fianna Fáil benches became restive, Mr Rabbitte said that it was wrong to attribute the creation of the Celtic Tiger solely to Mr Haughey or to any other politician. He added that while Mr Haughey was a talented politician his behaviour had lowered the public esteem in which politicians were held.

Speaking for the Progressive Democrats, Michael McDowell, once described in the Dáil by Mr Haughey as "a nasty piece of work", quoted the Latin tag De mortuis nihil nisi bonum [Speak only good of those who lie dead]. "It has been suggested he brought the Progressive Democrats into existence. He certainly brought us into government," he said.

Trevor Sargent recalled that on the day he was first elected to the Dáil in 1992, Mr Haughey came over to him at the count centre to shake his hand and remarked: "Well done young man. I'm a bit of a Green myself."