The figure of the late Charlie Haughey was brought to life by ‘Love/Hate’ actor Aidan Gillen, whose uncanny resemblance to the former Taoiseach turned heads on the set of the new political drama ‘Charlie’ at the Kings Inns in Dublin

IT looks like former Fianna Fail spin doctor PJ Mara won't have too long to wait to watch the new political drama on the life of the late Taoiseach Charlie Haughey – as filming has already gotten under way.

Mr Mara admitted that vanity would compel him to tune in to watch 'Love/Hate' actor Tom Vaughan Lawlor, known for his portrayal of gangster Nidge, star as the former press secretary in the drama being filmed for RTE.

He said he hoped the new drama would do the "multi-faceted" former Taoiseach justice, showing his well-known faults in addition to his many strengths.

"It should be warts and all, but it should be all and not just warts," he cautioned.

Mr Mara was speaking as filming got under way at the King's Inns in Dublin of 'Charlie', a three-part television mini-series on the life of the former Taoiseach.

DRAMA

The production sees another 'Love/Hate' star, Aidan Gillen, in the title role – the actor previously dabbled in politics when he played the part of Baltimore mayor Tommy Carcetti in US drama The Wire.

Laurence Kinlan plays Tony Gregory, while English actress Lucy Cohu takes the role of Haughey's mistress, social diarist Terry Keane.

Peter O'Meara, who plays dentist Andrew in 'Love/Hate', plays Brian Lenihan Snr, with former Glenroe actor David Herlihy as Ray Burke.

However, while Mr Mara will be glued to his TV when the drama is aired, he said he does not believe it will define Haughey's place in the history books.

"Of course I'll watch it. I'm vain enough. Tom Vaughan Lawlor has almost as big a reputation as Charlie Haughey had. That in itself probably panders to my ego," said Mr Mara.

"He is a fine actor and a nice guy and I'm sure he'll do a good job," he told Miriam O'Callaghan on RTE Radio 1.

Mr Mara, who traded in the political sphere for the business world, recently revealed he became a father once again four months ago, at the age of 71, with his partner, a lawyer.

Meanwhile, actor Gillen underwent a major transformation as he arrived on a rain-sodden set yesterday sporting the slicked back hairstyle of a young Haughey.

Showing no trace of his 'Love/Hate' character, crime boss John Boy, he was dressed in a tailored navy suit as he ran up the steps of the King's Inns.

The former Taoiseach was joined by his Cabinet colleague 'Ray Burke' who was wearing his trademark glasses. In fact, the set was filled with trailers designated for each of the ministers – Brian Lenihan Snr, Ray MacSharry, Bertie Ahern and Des O'Malley.

Filming will continue for the next nine weeks but no date has been given for when it will hit screens.

Irish Independent