Charles Haughey (1925 – 2006)
Sixth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving from 1979 to 1981, March 1982 to December 1982 and from 1987 to 1992.
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He (Haughey) was a very promising minister in the '60s, but once he became leader all he was concerned with was staying leader. It was always about the cult of leadership. His sense of himself was much more important than any vision he had for the country. People say he discovered fiscal rectitude in '87, and people talk about his contribution to Anglo-Irish affairs, but really if you try and look for any consistency in his affairs after the late '70s you can't find it because it's just about him.
It's guarded by units of the British army and I can never come up to this border without experiencing deep feelings of anger and resentment.
It was a bizarre happening, an unprecedented situation, a grotesque situation, an almost unbelievable mischance.
I could instance a load of fuckers whose throats I'd cut and push over the nearest cliffs, but there's no percentage in that!
Charles Haughey was undoubtedly a great statesman...By far the most gifted politician of his generation,
You know, I have a theory about Charlie Haughey. If you give him enough rope, he'll hang you.
The best, the most skillful, the most devious and the most cunning.
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