Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his judgment in this matter. As Leader of the House, I wish, first, to do the proper and homely thing, which everybody does in such circumstances, particularly the Irish, and that is to pass sympathy to Mrs. Maureen Haughey and her four grown-up children, and particularly our colleague in the other House, Deputy Seán Haughey, on the death of her husband and their father, former Deputy Charles J. Haughey, who was Taoiseach for many years. It is proper that we should do that.

Writers over the next few weeks, and ultimately history, will balance the scales of justice in respect of the late Taoiseach's career. As someone who served in Cabinet with him for six years — five as Minister for Education and some months as Minister for Health — I can confirm that many of the statements made about him in the conduct of his daily business were, quite simply, not correct. It was said that he was autocratic in Cabinet and people were not allowed to have their say. He certainly cut off waffle. If anyone attempted to proceed with waffle, he or she was told where to get off, and why not? Waffle does not serve anybody well. However, he certainly allowed everyone to have a voice.

For me in particular, the former Taoiseach gave me my political chance. He opened the door. I had no experience of Cabinet. While I had Front Bench experience, I had never served at Cabinet. A fellow Minister who was disquieted by my elevation said to the Taoiseach, "But Mary has no experience". He replied, "She is sound", and I got my chance to serve in Cabinet.

There are many other features to the former Taoiseach, which will emerge in the days and weeks ahead. Be that as it may, that is the business of political writers and commentators. I prefer to look at the man in his full rounded personality. For me the good certainly outweighs the not so good. I recall his endeavours when we were in Opposition when he ran the party Front Bench as if it were a Cabinet. We reported on time for meetings and we had our memoranda and ideas ready. He ran matters in same way as he was later to run the Cabinet and it ill-behoved anyone to be late. Matters were conducted quickly, the business was done and we went on our way.

It was also good that his brother, Fr. Eoghan Haughey, was with him when he died. Death is awful, but it is a fine matter to die surrounded by one's relations and those who love one.

I think of Charlie Haughey's pursuit of the financial services industry and the legislation pertaining thereto when we were in the shadow Cabinet, as well as his creative activity and his genuine interest in the arts. I think of his interest in education and his interest in the North of Ireland. The beginnings of the boom in Ireland were no doubt sown between 1987 and 1989. Everyone will remember his speech about tightening our belts and wonder if he was tightening his own. That is for others to comment on. There is no doubt that the period from 1987 to 1989 set the scene for the later economic boom.

I recall personal family matters as well, but at the end of the day, Charlie Haughey and Brian Lenihan shook hands and wished one another well before my brother died. I am happy in my heart that was done and that the ills were forgotten. His head was demanded and was given, but if I start on that I will never stop.

As Leader, I wish to give public expression to the sympathy on this side of the House for the Haughey family. As was said so eloquently this morning on the radio by Catherine Butler, Maureen Haughey was not just a woman — she was a lady. She was wonderful to her late husband. They do not make taoisigh, potential or real, like Mr. Haughey anymore. Many will say that that is a good thing, but I do not think so. He showed charisma to people who flocked to him and wanted him. It was another era and another time. God rest his soul.