Preparations under way for Charles Haughey funeral

Members of the public signing the book of condolence in the Mansion House, Dublin. Photograph: Éanna Ó Caollaí

Members of the public signing the book of condolence in the Mansion House, Dublin. Photograph: Éanna Ó Caollaí

Preparations are under way for the funeral of Charles Haughey (80) who died yesterday morning.

Thousands, including former political allies and foes, as well as friends and members of the public, are expected to pay their last respects to the former taoiseach, who lost his battle with prostate cancer yesterday morning.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was among the well-wishers who paid their respects to Mr Haughey's widow Maureen and her four children t the Haughey residence at Abbeville, Kinsealy today.

The former Minister for Finance and EU Commissioner, Ray MacSharry, and the former SDLP leader, John Hume, also visited Abbeville, as did Mr Haughey's long time press advisor and friend, P.J. Mara.

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Flags are flying at half mast on State buildings today and will remain so until after Friday's funeral.

Books of condolence are open in Dublin Castle, the Mansion House, City Hall, Government Buildings and at the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, Donnycarney. They will stay open until Friday evening.

Mr Ahern signed books of condolences at Fianna Fail's Dublin headquarters and City Hall, while Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny signed the book of condolences at the Mansion House.

The flag is lowered to half-mast at the Department of Taoiseach yesterday
The flag is lowered to half-mast at the Department of Taoiseach yesterday

Mr Ahern will miss the three-monthly meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels to attend the removal and funeral. He will deliver the graveside oration on Friday morning.

President Mary McAleese decided yesterday to interrupt her three-country tour of Southern Africa in order to fly back for the State funeral.

The body of Mr Haughey is reposing at Abbeville today. This is private to members of the Haughey family and close friends.

Tomorrow Mr Haughey will be brought to the Mortuary Chapel in the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, Donnycarney arriving at the Church at 11am. This removal will also be private.

Members of the public will be allowed to pay their respects between 11.30am and 4pm. At 5pm Mr Haughey will be brought from the Mortuary Chapel to the main entrance of the church.

He will be buried in St Fintan's Cemetery, Sutton after funeral mass on Friday morning.

Mr Haughey will be afforded full State honours for his funeral, with an escort by a marching military battalion and band and a guard of honour by members of the Defence Forces, including members of the Naval Service.

After the graveside prayers and the graveside oration, military honours will be rendered.