Madam, – Elaine Byrne (Opinion, April 27th) continues the myth that Brian Lenihan Sr was “unceremoniously dismissed” by Charlie Haughey during the presidential contest in 1990, despite the fact Lenihan was the victim of his own circumstances and his dismissal was a specific demand of then government partners, the Progressive Democrats.
It is interesting now that even when Haughey did what the situation required of him, despite the great pain it must have caused him, he is still demonised. On the more serious charge that Haughey used the leftover of monies raised for Lenihan’s liver transplant for his own use, it should also be said that Haughey had sufficient monies raised for Lenihan’s operation, and the operation went ahead.
He also supported Lenihan’s original nomination, despite the fact that Lenihan was quite ill. The relationship between Haughey and Brian Lenihan was much closer and more complex than commentators like Ms Byrne seem to allow, as I’m sure the Lenihan family would be the first to admit. – Yours, etc,