Tricolour at half mast for Queen Mother's funeral

The Tricolour is flying at half mast today as a mark of respect for the British Queen Mother whose funeral is taking place in London.

A Government spokesman said it was a "protocol" normally followed on the death of a head of state that Ireland had "friendly relations" with and for royalty.

All State buildings equipped with a flagpole will follow the protocol, including the scene of the 1916 Easter Rising - the GPO.

The Tricolour at half mast over the GPO

The Tricolour previously flew at half mast marking the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and for France's President Mitterand in 1996.

Sinn Féin last night called on the Government to withdraw the directive to fly the flag at half mast.

Cllr Seán MacManus described the directive as "inappropriate".

"British people, including those who share this island with us, are entitled to mourn the death of a member of the British Royal family whom they respected. But the decision to fly the Irish flag at half mast is inappropriate.

"It will also cause pain to those who have lost loved ones at the hands of British forces who the British royal family represent daily", he added.