Graveside homage to Haughey expected from public

The public are today expected to pay their respects at the north Dublin graveside of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey.

The controversial politician was laid to rest in St Fintan’s Cemetery, Sutton after a state funeral in nearby Donnycarney yesterday.

Thousands had earlier lined the streets of Artane to applaud the passing cortege.

In a personal graveside tribute, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told hundreds of mourners that he knew Mr Haughey as a friend and colleague and a leader of peerless acumen and talent.

Naval Service marksmen then fired three volleys of shots over the grave and The Last Post was played by three Army buglers and drummers.

As Mr Haughey’s coffin was lowered into the grave, the skies opened up and rain began to fall on mourners at the graveside.

The 80-year-old died on Tuesday at home in Kinsealy after a long battle with cancer.

His wife, Maureen, daughter, Eimear and sons, Conor, Ciaran and Fianna Fáil TD Sean were at his bedside.

Mr Haughey served as Taoiseach for three separate periods between 1979 and 1992.

In recent years his political legacy has been overshadowed by revelations at state tribunals that he received millions in donations from wealthy businessmen during his 35-year political career.

It also emerged he had conducted a long extra-marital affair.