Madam, - During my time as Dean of St Patrick's I was grateful for the help given me by Charles Haughey, especially on two occasions.
(1) The proposal by the Dublin Corporation in 1987 to have a 90-feet wide carriageway in Patrick Street outside the Cathedral caused outrage and street protests in the Liberties. There was also the possible danger to the cathedral's foundation and fabric by increased traffic flow and vibration.
Mr Haughey came to the rescue when he invited me and the cathedral's representatives to Kinsealy to discuss the matter with corporation planning officials. He had prepared meticulously for the meeting with an imposing large-scale model of the cathedral and dual carriageway on the floor of a spacious room. After much debate, a sympathetic Mr Haughey produced a compromise which suggested a narrower road at a distance of 45 feet from the cathedral railings, with the intervening space to be pedestrianised and treated in a manner in keeping with the cathedral's environs. So it all came about thanks to the efforts of Charles Haughey.
(2) In rebuilding the cathedral's choir and grammar schools (dating from 1432) I was also indebted to him for his keen interest in their history and his resolve that the government play its part to ensure that an important feature of Ireland's history and heritage would not be lost. Twice daily choral worship in the cathedral for over 500 years!
When he visited the deanery I found him very informed on Swift and other portraits adorning the walls and the contribution made especially by Protestants in the cause of national freedom and justice and the revival of the Irish language. There was an affinity with the Swiftian "saeva indignatio" - "Government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery. By the laws of God, of nature and of your own country you are and ought to be as free a people as your brethren in England".
May he along with Swift rest in peace. - Yours, etc,
VICTOR G GRIFFIN (Very Rev), Tyler Road, Limavady, Co Derry.
Madam, - Of all the comments read or heard on CJ Haughey since his death, the most apt were included in Fr Eoghan Haughey's eulogy. Speaking of his life as a "canvas", he referred to his brother's ". . .broad and imaginative strokes".
Quite! - Yours, etc,
DON HEENAN, Rathvilly, Co Carlow.