Memories of Haughey in the corridors of power

Dáil Sketch: In political life, Charles Haughey frequently dominated the Dáil.Yesterday, in death, his memory was everywhere.

As routine work continued in the Dáil chamber, the talk in the corridors, offices and party rooms was about Mr Haughey.

Visitors descending the stairs from the public gallery saw his penetrating stare from among the official portraits of former taoisigh. It sits between those of old political foes, Garret FitzGerald and Liam Cosgrave.

If some politicians wanted to consign a definitive judgment of his long career to history, Labour's Ruairí Quinn was having none of it.

At a Dáil committee, he expressed his views in trenchant tones, while also expressing sympathy with Mr Haughey's family and friends.

"I have to put it on the record that had he been treated like other citizens, he would have been jailed for perjury," said Mr Quinn. "I think he destroyed politics in this country, as the revelations of the tribunals have demonstrated." Fianna Fáil politicians, and some from the Opposition, were privately less than pleased with what they considered to be Mr Quinn's bad timing.

Back in the Dáil chamber, Mr Haughey's memory surfaced again when legislation he introduced as taoiseach in the 1980s was referred to.

Minister for the Gaeltacht Éamon Ó Cuív was asked about his department's role in the future of the Blasket islands, off Kerry. Mr Haughey had his island home there. Mr Ó Cuív said it was intended that his department, in partnership with Kerry County Council, would be responsible for the development of two piers, one on An Blascaod Mór and the other at Dún Chaoin. "I do not know how long it will take to resolve this matter," said Mr Ó Cuív.

"It has been ongoing since the late taoiseach, Charles Haughey, God rest his soul, initiated this project in which he was most interested." Labour's Brian O'Shea said he was a member of the Seanad when Mr Haughey introduced the legislation.

"It was the only time he came to that House during my time in it. At that time, it was most unusual for a taoiseach to appear in the Seanad," he added.

Throughout yesterday, politicians, including Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue and Seanad leader Mary O'Rourke, visited Kinsealy and paid their respects.

This evening, the Dáil will adjourn early to facilitate attendance at the removal of Mr Haughey's remains to the church in Donnycarney.