Sir, – For years, the origins of the wealth of former taoiseach Charles J Haughey has been a great wonder and puzzlement to a great many people.
To me, it was never a wonder at all. It was always crystal clear.
Back in October 1987, I sent a letter to the then taoiseach, with a helpful little piece of advice to him that successfully running the country was no gambling matter.
To add impact to my message, I enclosed a lottery ticket for him to use if he ever wanted to have a flutter. I mentioned in passing to him that while the odds were greatly against it, this lottery ticket gift of mine might – just might – turn out to be a lucky winner for him.
Shortly afterwards I received a letter, dated November 18th, 1987, from the office of the taoiseach, and signed by his private secretary, which read as follows:
“Dear Mr Hayes-McCoy, – The Taoiseach, Mr Charles J Haughey, TD, has asked me to thank you for your letter of October 28th, and for your lottery ticket. The Taoiseach greatly appreciates your kind offer of assistance and he will bear this in mind.”
All of which goes to explain why there has never been any doubt in my mind as to where Mr Haughey’s legendary millions originated. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT HAYES-McCOY,
Sandymount Road, Dublin 4.