Government and churchmen in row over Taoiseach's partner

A row broke out today between the Government and senior figures in the country’s two main churches over plans by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his partner Celia Larkin formally to host a reception at Dublin Castle.

The reception is due to go ahead tonight in honour of Ireland’s new Cardinal Desmond O’Connell, the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin.

But sources close to the Cardinal have claimed that he is ‘‘distressed and embarrassed’’ by the decision to include Ms Larkin’s name on the official invitation to the event.

It was also confirmed today that the Very Rev Robert McCarthy, Dean of the Protestant Church of Ireland St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, had turned down the invitation ‘‘on principle.’’

Figures in both churches have expressed disquiet in the past about Mr Ahern’s relationship with Ms Larkin, who regularly accompanies him to official functions at home at and abroad.

Mr Ahern has been separated from his wife Miriam for many years, but the couple are not divorced.

Dr McCarthy said it was his practice to turn down invitations received in the names of Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin, because acceptance ‘‘encourages an idea that lesser relationships are on a par with marriage’’.

Cardinal O’Connell will be among more than 1,000 guests at the Dublin Castle reception.

But some catholic clergy are understood to have turned down invitations.

A Government spokesman said the invitations had been issued in line with ‘‘normal procedure’’ since Mr Ahern took office four years ago.