The treasures of Mr Charles J. Haughey may have come under scrutiny in the past but yesterday some went under the hammer and the former Taoiseach's finances were once again in the spotlight, writes Christine Newman.
In the time it took for a few nods, waves and phone calls at the art auction, Mr Haughey made €138,000. Three paintings were auctioned in Dublin by James O'Halloran of James Adam and Sons, in association with Bonhams.
A Markey Robinson oil of Still Life at a Window did not reach its reserve price of €5,000 and was withdrawn at €4,800. The oil on canvas Seaweed Gatherers, Portmarnock by Nathaniel Hone was sold for €88,000, exceeding the guide price of €60,000 to €80,000. The third work, Stations of the Cross by Patrick Collins, just made the reserve of €50,000.
Walter Frederick Osborne's Driving a bargain sold for €620,00 - the highest amount in the auction. A Sir John Lavery entitled Finale fetched €550,000.