Funeral held for former Taoiseach

The funeral for former Taoiseach Charles Haughey has taken place today in his old constituency in north Dublin.

A full state funeral is being held and thousands of mourners have lined the streets of Dublin to pay their final respects to the man who was known as the most controversial controversial Irish politician of his time.

Requiem Mass was said at noon today by Mr Haughey's brother Eoghan, who was assisted by the Archbishop of Dublin Reverend Diarmuid Martin, at the Church of Our Lady of Consolation in Donnycarney, Dublin.

Irish President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Catherine Byrne were among the dignitaries attending the service, which was broadcast on two large screens outside the chapel.

Mr Haughey's remains will be taken to Saint Fintan`s Cemetery, Sutton, where the graveside oration will be given by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Military honours will also be rendered with members of the Irish Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, lining the route at the entrance to the cemetery.

Charles Haughey, 80, died at his home in Kinsealy, north Dublin on Tuesday, after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

His wife Maureen, and four children Eimear, Conor, Ciaran and Sean were all at his bedside.

Elected leader of Fianna Fail and Taoiseach on December 11 1979, he served three separate terms and remained in office until 1992.

He had experienced poor health over the past few years, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and complications brought on by the disease, including secondary tumours and a heart condition. He was treated for pneumonia in April this year.

Mr Haughey, first hit the headlines in 1970 when he was dismissed from the cabinet over allegations that he attempted to import arms for the Provisional IRA, which he was later cleared of in court.

Never considered trustworthy by Northern Ireland's unionists, he initially had a good relationship with the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This changed, however, after the 1981 hunger strikes in which ten republicans died in the Maze prison in Belfast.

Renowned for his opposition of the Anglo-Irish agreement, after being elected two-years later, he worked within the terms of the deal.

During his time as Taoiseach, he fought off so many leadership challenges he was dubbed the 'Great Houdini' and continued to be dogged by financial scandals in his retirement.

Books of condolence will remain open at locations across Dublin and flags will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings until after the funeral.

(EF/SP)