Cowen to attend Kennedy funeral in Boston

The Government has confirmed that Taoiseach Brian Cowen will travel to Boston this weekend for the funeral of US Senator Ted Kennedy.

Mr Cowen signed a book of condolences for the 77-year-old at the US Embassy in Dublin today.

Mr Kennedy's remains will lie in state tomorrow before his funeral on Saturday, where President Barack Obama is due to deliver the eulogy.

His body will then be taken to Washington for burial at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his assassinated brothers, President John F Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy.