File 10 - Press cuttings "Lenihan Election 1990”

30 pp

Cuttings labelled "Lenihan Election 1990" which deal with his candidacy and specifically with controversy during the presidential campaign relating to Fianna Fáil candidate Brian Lenihan's view of the influence and independence of the role. Information had come to light that he had rung and spoken to President Hillery in 1982 in relation to the dissolution of the Dáil, which Lenihan then denied. A tape of an interview he had conducted previously with Jim Duffy, a student and member of Young Fine Gael who was researching material for his thesis, was shared on which he confirmed he had called. The revelation eventually led to Lenihan being sacked from his role as Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) right before the Presidential election, but the party including the Taoiseach Charles Haughey, still supporting him as a candidate. This was considered a turning point in the election campaign. Cuttings also relate to Minister for Marine, John Wilson earlier seeking the Fianna Fáil party's nomination as candidate, thereby challenging what had appeared to be an automatic party endorsement of Lenihan.

Ref: P143/4/1/6/10

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19/06/2024
18/07/2025