In Reply to: Re: Charles Haughey, the great leader posted by Majella on June 14, 2006 at 10:15:27:

So what if he did good things? That was his job for which he received a hefty State pension until his death.

Some say that you shouldn't speak ill of the dead. The only people who say that are those who don't want to hear the truth. The truth is that Haughey was a liar, perjurer, tax cheat, thief, and a crook. He represented everything that is wrong with politicians, and Fianna Fail in particular.

The meagre "achievements" of Charles Haughey that are generally pointed to, do not great political careers make. His political and legislative achievments were average - his acts of cowardice, corruption and self serving were outstanding. Take his supposed achievements in Social Welfare and Justice. OK, so he carried out his duties in a manner to be expected of a competent Minister - big deal. Widows pension? It happened 20 years after the inauguration of the welfare state in UK and 70 years after the genesis of such reforms in Germany. The Succession Act, 1965? The UK had a similar one in 1925. This is hardly visionary or radical reform. As for his tax breaks for the Arts - that was another pathetic personal vanity that never made a single person write more books, write better books, or paint more or better paintings.

History will judge Mr Haughey as a corrupt and dishonest man who has been protected over the years by Bertie and his band of corrupt Fianna Fail cronies. It is a disgrace that this man is afforded a State funeral. Haughey should have died in a small dark prison cell not in luxury of his mansion. Nobody including Bertie Ahern will be able to gloss over the corruption and failings of this man who constantly disgraced himself and Ireland during his political career.