Brussels: Ireland's EU commissioner Charlie McCreevy paid warm tribute to former taoiseach Charles Haughey yesterday and extended his sympathy to his family.
Mr McCreevy, who was a bitter opponent of Mr Haughey within the Fianna Fáil party, said in a statement that Mr Haughey was a man of extraordinary talent and foresight.
"He brought energy, vigour and flair to every aspect of his work. He secured real and lasting achievements in every office of State that he held, reflecting the combination of vision and practicality that marked his approach to his work."
"As taoiseach, he laid the key foundation stones for Ireland's current economic success," he said.
Mr McCreevy said Mr Haughey would no doubt be remembered in many different ways, but this was a time for remembering him for his considerable political achievements.
"And for those of us who knew him well, whether as friends, colleagues, or constituents, it is a time too for remembering his many kindnesses, his thoughtfulness, and his compassion."
Mr McCreevy was initially a political supporter of Mr Haughey but later became one of his principal opponents within Fianna Fáil in the early 1980s. In October 1982 he instigated one of the heaves in Fianna Fáil against Mr Haughey, who later banished Mr McCreevy from the front benches.
Mr McCreevy was only appointed to the government again under Albert Reynolds.
Charles Haughey was a true visionary and was held in the highest regard in Europe, the four Fianna Fáil MEPs said last night in a joint statement in Strasbourg at a sitting of the European Parliament.
The four, Liam Aylward, Brian Crowley, Seán Ó Neachtain and Eoin Ryan, expressed their great sadness at the death of the former taoiseach and leader of their party.