History's ultimate judgment on former taoiseach Charles Haughey would be favourable, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said as he led tributes in the Dáil to his former party leader.
The flag over Leinster House and all Government buildings stood at half-mast and a minute's silence was observed in the Dáil chamber as a mark of respect to Mr Haughey.
His death marked the end of an era and "it would be a distortion of history to obscure the fact that Charles Haughey served with distinction in every ministerial position that he held, and his many imaginative initiatives are remembered".
Mr Ahern added that many ministers on leaving office would be envious of his record of achievements.
"Undoubtedly, when analysing Charles Haughey's career, commentators will largely focus on his tenure as taoiseach," he said, but he was "one of the most dynamic and talented government ministers ever to grace this House".
Outlining some of the former taoiseach's achievements, Mr Ahern said he introduced the tax-free status for artists; was responsible for the restoration of Dublin Castle and the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, the new Government Buildings opened in 1991, the promotion of the bloodstock industry, Temple Bar, the International Financial Services Centre.
He introduced free electricity, free travel and free television licences for pensioners as minister for finance.
His focus "was always on the weak and the more vulnerable in our society".
The Taoiseach reiterated comments he made at celebrations to mark Fianna Fáil's 80th birthday, that "this country owes much of its present prosperity to the courageous decisions that were taken in 1987 and 1988 by Charles Haughey, and in particular the then minister for finance Ray MacSharry. That is my firm conviction and one that I believe would withstand any objective historical analysis".
He said that "in recent times, these achievements have become clouded by the revelations that are the subject of inquiry by the Moriarty tribunal.
"History will have to weigh up both the credit and the debit side more dispassionately than may be possible today but I have no doubt its ultimate judgment on Charlie will be favourable."
Mr Ahern paid tribute to Maureen Haughey, "a very private woman who shared in the life of a very public man for over 50 years", and extended his sympathy to the Haughey family including Deputy Seán Haughey, who succeeded his father as TD for Dublin North-Central.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, speaking for the Progressive Democrats, said it had been suggested that Mr Haughey brought the PDs into existence. "Perhaps he did, but he certainly brought us into government and we will not forget that."
He also paid tribute to the family and said that no spouse "can match the dignity and steadfast loyalty Maureen Haughey has always show in her years as Mr Haughey's spouse and partner.
