The funeral Mass for Jim and Marie Quigley, believed to have died as a result of a murder suicide, heard Mr Quigley had been supported through his battle with a mental illness by his family but this was “one battle we could not win”.

Opponents of the household charge have vowed to keep up pressure on the Government to withdraw it, after several thousand people turned out to support the campaign at the weekend.

Campaigners against household and water taxes will take to the streets today in an attempt to ramp up support for their cause ahead of the Mar 31 payment deadline.