John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats I would like to express sympathy to the family of Charles Haughey, particularly his wife Maureen, his children Eimear, Conor, Ciarán and Seán, our parliamentary colleague in the Dáil. This is a sad time for them, the wider Haughey family and his colleagues in Fianna Fáil. Our party leader said this morning that when Mr. Haughey retired as Taoiseach in 1992, the Government he had presided over had set the foundations for the historic achievements, the economic turnabout in the country and the peace process.

A number of speakers have referred to the success of Ireland's International Financial Services Centre, which is a living tribute to the boldness and determination of Charles Haughey. He will also be remembered for generating a particular vibrancy in the arts and for the excellence of the renovated Government Buildings which we see as a legacy. Much will be written about him in the days, weeks and months ahead. Today is not the day to judge, but the day to extend sympathy. On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I express our deepest sympathies to the Haughey family and his colleagues in Fianna Fáil.