The Definitive Biography of Ireland's Great Modernising Taoiseach: Charles Haughey

Charles Haughey was a controversial figure, but he was also a visionary leader who transformed Ireland from a poor, backward country into a modern, prosperous nation.

Haughey was born in 1925 in Castlebar, County Mayo. His father was a small farmer and his mother was a teacher. Haughey was the eldest of five children. He attended St. Jarlath's College in Tuam, where he was a brilliant student.

Sean Lemass: The Enigmatic Patriot: The Definitive Biography of Ireland’s Great Modernising Taoiseach

by John Horgan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2790 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages
Paperback	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	1.1 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.24 x 0.55 x 8.27 inches

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After graduating from college, Haughey worked as a journalist for a time. In 1951, he was elected to the Dáil Éireann, the Irish parliament. Haughey quickly rose through the ranks of Fianna Fáil, the largest political party in Ireland. In 1961, he was appointed Minister for Finance by Taoiseach Seán Lemass.

As Minister for Finance, Haughey introduced a number of economic reforms that helped to modernize Ireland's economy. He also played a key role in Ireland's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973.

In 1979, Haughey was elected Taoiseach. He served three terms as Taoiseach, from 1979 to 1981, from 1982 to 1987, and from 1987 to 1992.

During his time as Taoiseach, Haughey oversaw a period of unprecedented economic growth in Ireland. He also introduced a number of social reforms, including the of free secondary education and the establishment of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Haughey was a controversial figure. He was accused of corruption and cronyism. In 1992, he was forced to resign as Taoiseach after the Moriarty Tribunal found that he had received illegal payments from businessman Ben Dunne.

Despite the controversy, Haughey's legacy is complex. He was a visionary leader who transformed Ireland into a modern, prosperous nation. He was also a flawed man who made some serious mistakes.

This biography tells the story of Haughey's life and career, from his humble beginnings to his rise to power and his eventual downfall. It is a fascinating and complex story that sheds light on one of the most important figures in Irish history.

Early Life and Education

Charles Haughey was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, on September 16, 1925. His father, Seán Haughey, was a small farmer and his mother, Sarah McHale, was a teacher.

Haughey was the eldest of five children. He had two brothers, Seán and Michael, and two sisters, Mary and Anne.

Haughey attended St. Jarlath's College in Tuam, where he was a brilliant student. He was a member of the school's debating team and won several prizes for his academic achievements.

After graduating from St. Jarlath's College, Haughey studied law at University College Dublin (UCD).

Political Career

Haughey was elected to the Dáil Éireann in 1951. He quickly rose through the ranks of Fianna Fáil, the largest political party in Ireland.

In 1961, Haughey was appointed Minister for Finance by Taoiseach Seán Lemass.

As Minister for Finance, Haughey introduced a number of economic reforms that helped to modernize Ireland's economy. He also played a key role in Ireland's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973.

In 1979, Haughey was elected Taoiseach. He served three terms as Taoiseach, from 1979 to 1981, from 1982 to 1987, and from 1987 to 1992.

During his time as Taoiseach, Haughey oversaw a period of unprecedented economic growth in Ireland. He also introduced a number of social reforms, including the of free secondary education and the establishment of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Controversies and Downfall

Haughey was a controversial figure. He was accused of corruption and cronyism. In 1992, he was forced to resign as Taoiseach after the Moriarty Tribunal found that he had received illegal payments from businessman Ben Dunne.

Haughey was also involved in a number of other controversies, including the Arms Crisis of 1970 and the Beef Tribunal of 1994.

Legacy

Haughey's legacy is complex. He was a visionary leader who transformed Ireland into a modern, prosperous nation. He was also a flawed man who made some serious mistakes.

Haughey's economic policies helped to create a more prosperous Ireland. He also played a key role in Ireland's entry into the EEC. However, he was also accused of corruption and cronyism.

Despite the controversy, Haughey is still remembered as one of the most important figures in Irish history.

Sean Lemass: The Enigmatic Patriot: The Definitive Biography of Ireland’s Great Modernising Taoiseach

by John Horgan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2790 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages
Paperback	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	1.1 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.24 x 0.55 x 8.27 inches

FREE