After a thirty year career in politics, former Taoiseach Charles Haughey announces he is to leave public life.
Almost 1,000 Fianna Fáil activists and supporters, joined Charles Haughey and his wife Maureen in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin for a dinner arranged by the party’s National Executive, to mark Mr Haughey's retirement as President of Fianna Fáil.
Mr Haughey received a standing ovation when he accepted a presentation oak carving depicting Dáil Éireann, Government Buildings and Dublin Castle, from Taoiseach Albert Reynolds on behalf of the National Executive.
In a speech to his loyal following, Mr Haughey made the announcement,
I shall leave Dáil Éireann at the next General Election.
His decision to quit politics had been anticipated, given his resignation from the leadership in January 1992 and Albert Reynolds becoming Taoiseach the following month.
Mr Haughey also spoke of the party being a dominant force in Irish political life, and for the coherence and stability of Irish politics, it was vital for the party to continue in such a position.
Mr Reynolds paid tribute to his predecessor’s work as an innovative minister and leader of the country, noting in critical times Mr Haughey had stayed loyal and committed to Fianna Fáil, whatever his personal feelings.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 October 1992. The reporter is Donal Kelly.
