Books of condolence opened for Haughey tributes

The public will today be turning out across Dublin to pay tribute to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey, who died after a long battle with illness.

After a day of praise from friends and enemies in the political world, several books of condolence are being opened in the capital to give the public a chance to offer their respects.

Mr Haughey’s former constituents were among the first to offer tributes with many from the Donnycarney area signing a book in the local church in the hours after he died yesterday.

Parishioners at Our Lady of Consolation, many of whom knew the Fianna Fáil leader, queued to leave messages. It will remain open until his State funeral there on Friday.

Books are also being opened at Government Buildings, Dublin Castle, Mansion House and City Hall.

Officials at Fianna Fáil headquarters are also giving party supporters in the capital an opportunity to write messages.

The public will be able to pay tribute from 9am today and the books will remain open until 5pm each day until after the funeral on Friday.

Mr Haughey will lie in state in Our Lady of Consolation church tomorrow where the public will be able to pay their respects.

The 80-year-old died after a long battle with cancer in his family home in Kinsealy, north Dublin with his family at his bedside.

Local people arrived at the gates of the estate to lay wreaths and flowers, many with messages of respect for the lifelong politician.

In an added mark of respect, tricolours will fly at half mast on all Government buildings until Friday evening.