‘The Outsider’, is the first of four programmes in the series, and charts C.J. Haughey’s background and early years. From his parent’s first meeting during the War of Independence in Co. Derry, to his early childhood in Mayo and school-days in North Co. Dublin, his training in law and accountancy, and on to his emergence in the political arena, circa 1957, and to his sensational arrest in 1970, during the so-called Arms Crisis.
Programme two in this four part series charts the life and times of C.J. Haughey from the Arms Trials of 1970 to the end of Haughey’s first period in office as Taoiseach. Key events include: – Haughey’s ‘wilderness years’ in the early 1970’s when he considered leaving Fianna Fáil – His time on the ‘rubber chicken’ circuit building up support from Fianna Fáil’s grass roots – The overthrow of Jack Lynch – The panic over clearing Haughey’s overdraft with AIB in the 48 hours before being sworn in as Taoiseach – Haughey’s first period in office – disarray in the economy and Northern Ireland Key interviewees: PJ Mara Sean Haughey Pat Gallagher Frank Dunlop – former Govt Press Secretary Charlie McCreevy
Episode three in this four part series by Mint productions follows the Fianna Fail ‘heaves’ in 1981/’82 and beyond to Haughey’s return to Government in 1987. Other key events include: – The Gregory Deal in 1982 that briefly put Haughey in office. – What Haughey was like as a boss by PJ Mara and former secretary to the Taoiseach, Catherine Butler – Phone-tapping, including an interview with Asst. Garda Commissioner Joe Ainsworth – Haughey’s relationship with Des Traynor – GUBU government: Ireland’s most wanted man found in A-G’s apartment! – Intimidation of Haughey’s opponents during the ‘heaves’ – Family revelation that Haughey was about to quit in Feb 1983 – Albert Reynolds gets emotional while talking about the Feb ‘83 heave – Haughey’s secret role in beginning Irish Government talks with Sinn Fein – Haughey’s key financial backers talk about being asked to support him in 1987 Key interviewees: Catherine Butler – Haughey’s Secretary – this is the first time she has spoken publicly about their working relationship. Fr. Alec Reid – Northern mediator – this is the first time he’s spoken of Haughey’s role in the peace process. Dermot Desmond – benefactor – first TV interview. Ben Dunne – benefactor. Joe Ainsworth – Asst Garda Commissioner – gives a rare interview on phone tapping scandals Eimear Mulhern (daughter) and Sean Haughey (son) Bertie Ahern, Albert Reynolds P Flynn
The final episode in this four part series charts C.J. Haughey’s years in power from 1987 up until the revelation of his financial and personal secrets in the late 1990’s. Key events and themes include: – Haughey’s view of himself as a ‘Statesman’ in the European mould – Social Partnership and getting a grip on the economy – Sean and Eimear on the rumours of his relationship with Terry Keane – His continuing but covert role in the Northern ‘peace process’ – Fianna Fáil fundraiser, Paul Kavanagh on how donations to the party were kept by Haughey and Ray Burke – Bertie Ahern on his role as a co-signatory on the official Leader’s Account that Haughey used to part-fund his lifestyle. – Going into coalition with the PD’s in 1989 – Sacking Brian Lenihan during the Presidential Campaign of 1990 – Haughey’s resignation following Sean Doherty’s claims re: the 1982 phone-tapping. – Ben Dunne’s arrest in the United States sparking Tribunals – Sean and Eimear watch Terry Keane on the Late Late Show revealing her 20 year affair with their father – Haughey’s legacy – why he continues to fascinate us Key interviewees: Eimear Mulhern and Sean Haughey Paul Kavanagh – Fianna Fail fundraiser Bertie Ahern Dermot Desmond Ben Dunne Padraig Flynn Fr. Alec Reid PJ Mara
