Ireland

Charlie Haughey's former spin doctor PJ Mara dies

PJ Mara was right hand man to Charlie Haughey in the 1980s and a government press secretary from 1987 to 1992
PJ Mara was right hand man to Charlie Haughey in the 1980s and a government press secretary from 1987 to 1992 PJ Mara was right hand man to Charlie Haughey in the 1980s and a government press secretary from 1987 to 1992

FORMER political spin doctor and strategist PJ Mara has died aged 73.

Right hand man to former Taoiseach Charlie Haughey in the 1980s and a government press secretary in the south from 1987 to 1992, he was synonymous with Fianna Fáil for three decades.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin described Mr Mara as a true original and an honour to know and work with.

"In a series of general elections as well as the referendum on the Good Friday Agreement PJ proved himself to be the most effective campaign director in Irish political history," he said.

"He brought immense humour, judgement and commitment to the role."

Mr Mara went on to work for businessman Denis O'Brien's Digicel corporation after stepping away from backroom politics.

He died in hospital in Dublin at 1am on Friday following a long illness. He is survived by his partner and his two children, the youngest born in 2013.

His career saw him serve in the Seanad in 1981 and 1982 and run Fianna Fáil's media operations through the 1980s.

While he was director of elections for Fianna Fáil's three-in-a-row poll victories in 1997, 2002 and 2007, he was more high profile in the latter.

In the last campaign Bertie Ahern hired him as he sought to deflect questions about the former taoiseach's financial affairs.

Mr Martin added: "As government press secretary for five years he brought a new energy and professionalism to the role which was recognised throughout Europe during the 1990 presidency of the European Council.

"Whether it was international statesmen or a local party stalwart PJ was always available to encourage and support."