Paul Mackay obituary: One of four founders of the Progressive Democrats

Taking on Charlie Haughey was courageous, and he later remarked that it cost him in his business as well as damaging longstanding friendshipsPaul Mackay played a central role in the general election of 1987 which saw the PDs make a dramatic breakthrough, winning 14 seats. Photograph: Cyril ByrnePaul Mackay made an important contribution to Irish politics through his involvement in the establishment of the Progressive Democrats .

Paul Mackay was born in Dublin in 1941 and brought up in Clontarf. He attended Belgrove junior boys school before going on to Terenure College as a boarder. He worked in the family-run tyre remoulding business and studied accountancy at night. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1965. In 1971 he took up a private practice specialising in corporate recovery.

A dispute followed and Haughey’s supporters moved to expel him from the organisation. Demonstrating the streak of toughness that characterised his approach to politics, he obtained a court injunction preventing his dismissal without cause or due notice. It was only a stay of execution before he was formally dismissed in May 1983.

When Mackay travelled to Limerick to meet potential supporters, O’Malley’s wife Pat insisted on a private chat. “Do you know this man at all? Do you know what type of man he is; how difficult he is?” she asked. “If you get involved with this man it is going to be a rough, rough ride. It’s like becoming involved with Jesus Christ. Once you declare yourself for him you have to forget everything else and be with him. He is difficult.

Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)

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