Former Taoiseach Haughey dies

Former Taoiseach Charles Haughey has died, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mr Haughey died at his home in Kinsealy, north Dublin this morning at the age of 80, surrounded by his family.

His death was announced by current Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, who said: "I have learned with great sadness of the death today of the former Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fail, Mr Charles Haughey. It is a very sad occasion, and marks the passing of an era.

"On behalf of the Government and Fianna Fail, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen, his daughter Eimear, and his sons, Conor, Ciaran and Sean, as well as his wider family."

Charles Haughey was elected leader of Fianna Fail and Taoiseach on December 11 1979, where he served three separate terms and remained in office until 1992.

Mr Haughey had experienced poor health over the past few years, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and complications brought on by the disease, including secondary tumours and a heart condition. He was treated for pneumonia in April this year.

Mr Haughey, first hit the headlines in 1970 when he was dismissed from the cabinet over allegations that he attempted to import arms for the Provisional IRA, which he was later cleared of in court.

Mr Haughey, who was widely considered to be the most controversial Irish politician of his generation, never hid his dislike of partition. Never considered trustworthy by Northern Ireland's unionists, he initially had a good relationship with the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This changed, however, after the 1981 hunger strikes in which ten republicans died in the Maze prison in Belfast.

Mr Haughey was renowned for his opposition of the anglo-irish agreement, but after being elected two-years later, worked within the terms of the deal.

During his time as Taoiseach, he fought off so many leadership challenges he was dubbed the 'Great Houdini'.

He eventually resigned in 1992, following the revelation of bugging scandal.

When it emerged that his extravagant lifestyle was being paid for by the patronage of business leaders, he was investigated by two tribunals, which inquired into his finances. At one stage, he faced possible imprisonment for obstructing an investigation.

Mr Haughey`s illnesses prevented him from giving evidence about his financial affairs to the Moriarty Tribunal, and the judge agreed in 2001 to exempt him from being called before it.

But over the last few months, his finances made the news again due to a series of revelations from the Tribunal.

In 2003, he paid more than €5 million to settle a tax bill with the Revenue Commissioners, in relation to large sums of money he had received. The sum was one of the largest tax settlements made by an individual taxpayer.

Forced to sell part of his north Dublin estate to settle the bill, he won rights to continue living in the house on the estate.

Mr Haughey's funeral will take place at Donnycarney Church on Friday.

Books of condolence will remain open at locations across Dublin from tonight until Friday and flags will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings until after the funeral.

(EF/SP)