Charles Haughey Poem by Francis Duggan

The ex Taoiseach of Ireland Charles Haughey a man born to survive
And in the game of murky politics he really seemed to thrive
And though many people felt that Charley only served his own good
He held on to the Taoiseach's job for as long as he could.

Despite loud calls for his resignation bold Charley soldiered on
And he held on to the top job till his last friends from him gone
And when Albert Reynolds toppled him and to the Taoiseach job laid claim
Bold Charley held his head up high he did not feel the shame.

The man who changed the political face of Ireland perhaps forever more
And what can be said of Haughey that's not been said before?
And perhaps his greatest enemies in his own party Fianna Fail
Still he worked his way up through the ranks and then from grace did fall.

The shady deals of Haughey in Ireland are well known
But let those without the taint of sin be the first to cast the stone
And though those who finally toppled him may have laughed at their win
In the murky game of politics you don't find saintly men.

It can be said of Haughey that he abused his power
But he revelled in his glory and he had his glorious hour
And when compared to Adolf Hitler, Charles Haughey is a saint
And so few politicians are free of guilt and taint.

In Ireland for Charles Haughey you won't find much sympathy
But are those who are his judges that much better than he?
Still he had his glorious era and he enjoyed his fame
And he is not too sensitive and he can live with shame.