Haughey (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Haughey is a four-part mini-series documenting the life of former Taoiseach
Charles Haughey
which was first broadcast on Irish
television channel, RTÉ One
in June and July 2005. It was aired as part of RTÉ's summer schedule that year.
Haughey is a creation of Mint Productions
, the company founded by presenter Miriam O'Callaghan
and her producer husband Steve Carson, responsible for the 2003's Fine Gael: A Family At War and later the 2008 Bertie
documentary series.
Unlike Bertie, which saw one of Haughey's successors as Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern
, give a "marathon" three-hour interview to the cameras and national television, Haughey could not be persuaded to take a direct part in the series. However he did gave his blessing to the involvement of his family and friends in co-operating with the programme.
The programme provoked much debate throughout its four-week run, drawing fire from many individuals, some with "already sharpened axes to grind anew". The series was accused of being "too soft" on its subject. Desmond O'Malley
thought his screened interview unlike that which actually happened. Some of the interviewees were criticised as viewing their part "through the distorting mirror of bitterness or loyalty", whilst "others bore grudges, others were staking their positions for posterity". The series was noted for the wry contributions of former secretary to the government Dermot Nally, the contrasting observations of Haughey's son Seán
with those of his daughter, Eimear and the performance of Pádraig Flynn
before the camera which was described as "utterly extraordinary". Questions were, however, raised if a better programme could have been made after Haughey's death when people would feel freer to speak.
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
Charles Haughey
Charles Haughey
Charles James "Charlie" Haughey was Taoiseach of Ireland, serving three terms in office . He was also the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil...
which was first broadcast on Irish
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
television channel, RTÉ One
RTÉ One
RTÉ One is the flagship television channel of Raidió Teilifís Éireann , and it is the most popular and most watched television channel in Ireland. It was launched as Telefís Éireann on 31 December 1961, it was renamed RTÉ Television in 1966, and it was renamed as RTÉ One upon the launch of RTÉ...
in June and July 2005. It was aired as part of RTÉ's summer schedule that year.
Haughey is a creation of Mint Productions
Mint Productions
Mint Productions is an Irish production company that has produced documentaries and television series for RTÉ, BBC and Channel 4. The company, founded by RTÉ television presenter Miriam O'Callaghan and her producer husband Steve Carson, has produced a number of series, including Fine Gael: A Family...
, the company founded by presenter Miriam O'Callaghan
Miriam O'Callaghan
Miriam O'Callaghan is an Irish television current affairs broadcaster, chat show host and radio presenter with Raidió Teilifís Éireann . She has presented the leading current affairs show, Prime Time, since 1996, and her own chat show, Saturday Night with Miriam, since 2005...
and her producer husband Steve Carson, responsible for the 2003's Fine Gael: A Family At War and later the 2008 Bertie
Bertie (TV series)
Bertie is an IFTA-winning four-part miniseries documenting the life of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, which was broadcast on Irish television channel, RTÉ One in 3 November 2008. The series examined in close detail how he operated as leader of the country and what drove him through his political...
documentary series.
Unlike Bertie, which saw one of Haughey's successors as Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern
Bertie Ahern
Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern is a former Irish politician who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 26 June 1997 to 7 May 2008....
, give a "marathon" three-hour interview to the cameras and national television, Haughey could not be persuaded to take a direct part in the series. However he did gave his blessing to the involvement of his family and friends in co-operating with the programme.
The programme provoked much debate throughout its four-week run, drawing fire from many individuals, some with "already sharpened axes to grind anew". The series was accused of being "too soft" on its subject. Desmond O'Malley
Desmond O'Malley
Desmond Joseph "Des" O'Malley is a former Irish politician.Born in Limerick, O'Malley was raised in a local political dynasty that had a strong association with Fianna Fáil. Elected to Dáil Éireann in 1968, he quickly became a trusted confidante of Taoiseach Jack Lynch...
thought his screened interview unlike that which actually happened. Some of the interviewees were criticised as viewing their part "through the distorting mirror of bitterness or loyalty", whilst "others bore grudges, others were staking their positions for posterity". The series was noted for the wry contributions of former secretary to the government Dermot Nally, the contrasting observations of Haughey's son Seán
Seán Haughey
Seán Haughey is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Teachta Dála for the Dublin North Central constituency from 1992 to 2011 and is a former Minister of State....
with those of his daughter, Eimear and the performance of Pádraig Flynn
Padraig Flynn
Pádraig "Pee" Flynn is a former Irish politician. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála in 1977. He was returned at each subsequent election until 1993...
before the camera which was described as "utterly extraordinary". Questions were, however, raised if a better programme could have been made after Haughey's death when people would feel freer to speak.
Episodes
- 1. The Outsider (June 13, 2005)
- 2. A Rise and Follow (June 20, 2005)
- 3. The Survivor (June 27, 2005)
- 4. Disclosure (July 4, 2005)
Reception
- "'Haughey' is a whale of a story, told with a fine energy in this production", Sunday Independent
- "'Haughey' was gripping television from beginning to end...it will be an important source for the history of Fianna Fáil in the Haughey period", Sunday Independent
- "An extraordinary story...neither a black-and-white morality tale nor a rehabilitation", The Irish Times