HAUGHEY’S GRANDSON NOW RUNNING FOR FIANNA FáIL
THE grandson of Charles Haughey entered the political world this week as Cathal Haughey has been selected to represent Fianna Fáil in the local elections.
The third generation of the Haughey political dynasty, Cathal Haughey was selected to contest the 2019 local elections in May for the Clontarf Local Electoral Area (LEA) in north Dublin.
The Clontarf LEA lies within the Dublin Bay North constituency of Cathal’s uncle Seán Haughey. This constituency has changed its boundaries over the years, but is essentially the old stomping ground of CJ Haughey. The Haughey heartland could be said to be nearby Artane and Donnycarney, but certainly the magic of the name will assist Cathal Haughey considerably. The younger Mr Haughey said in a statement: ‘It is a huge honour to be running in an area that is currently represented by my uncle Seán Haughey.’
Cathal is the 21-year-old son of Conor Haughey, the eldest son of Charles J. Haughey and Maureen. He is the Dublin Organiser of Ógra Fianna Fáil, and served as Seán’s canvassing director in 2014, when he won a council seat, and again in 2016 when he was returned to the Dáil.
As vice-chair of the DCU Fianna Fáil cumann, he was heavily involved in an oncampus campaign which saw the students’ union support a bid for Irish unity.
The Clontarf LEA is comprised of the North Dublin communities of Clontarf, Raheny, Killester, Donnycarney, Marino, Beaumont, Fairview, Harmonstown and Drumcondra.
The late Taoiseach Charles J. Haughey grew up in Donnycarney and his funeral was held at the church there in 2006. He attended St Joseph’s School in Fairview and the family established deep roots there when CJ’s father, a Free State soldier, moved there.
Upon being selected, Cathal Haughey showed some of his grandfather’s opportunism as he issued a clarion call for canvassing comrades. ‘There’s many aspects of a campaign, including canvassing, but also leaflet drops, putting up posters, etc. If you would like to get involved or help in any way it would be much appreciated,’ he added.