Tomás MacGiolla's removal to take place today

The removal of Tomás MacGiolla, former President of the Workers Party, will take place in Dublin today.

The 86-year-old died in hospital in Dublin on Thursday following a long illness.

He is survived by his wife May.

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen led tributes to Tomás MacGiolla, who was a former TD for Dublin West from 1982 to 1992 and also served as Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1993 to 1994.

He was President of Sinn Féin for a time in the 60s before becoming leader of the Workers Party.

However, he lost his Dáil seat in 1992 after the party split and the Democratic Left party was formed.

Mr McGiolla's remains will be taken to Ballyfermot Civic Centre in Dublin at 2pm today and his funeral takes place tomorrow.