Page "Charles Haughey" Paragraph 51

Haughey in 1990 had more difficulties.

The first half of the year saw Haughey in a leading role as European statesman when Ireland held the presidency of the European Community, which rotates semi-annually between the member states of the European Union.

The Presidential election was disappointing for Haughey with Brian Lenihan, the Tánaiste, who was nominated as the party's candidate, being defeated by Mary Robinson.

During the campaign the controversy over the phone calls made to the Áras an Uachtaráin in 1982 urging the then President not to dissolve the Dáil resurfaced.

Lenihan was accused of calling and attempting to influence the President, who as Head of State is above politics.

It is suggested that Haughey was forced by O ' Malley to sack Lenihan in order to save the government, and stay on as Taoiseach.

This damaged Haughey's standing in the organisation.