The Taoiseach and two former taoisigh were among the large turnout last evening for the removal of the remains of the late Mr Jim Tunney from his Dublin home to his local church.
Mr Tunney (78), who died on Wednesday after a short illness, was a former Fianna Fáil TD who served in a number of key positions during a 23-year career in Leinster House including junior minister, leas-cheann comhairle, and chairman of the parliamentary party.
His coffin, draped in the Tricolour, arrived at Our Lady Help of Christians church, Navan Road, shortly before 5.30 p.m. A large crowd had gathered outside, among them the Taoiseach Mr Ahern and former taoiseach Mr Albert Reynolds. Inside the church, another former taoiseach Mr Charles Haughey, was waiting to sympathise with Mr Tunney's wife Cathleen, his sons Jim and Seán, and daughters Angela and Orla.
The parish priest, Father Seamus Cassidy, told the congregation Mr Tunney was a prominent member of the parish for many years. He said he was well known not only in his Dublin North West constituency but throughout the country. He said he first met Mr Tunney about 30 years ago when he was a teacher in Blanchardstown and since then their lives crossed many times. "Not only did he have an interest in politics but he had a tremendous interest in Gaelic football and soccer as well," he said. He added that the former TD was always willing to do something if it would enhance the lives of others. "He gave his life in the service of his country."
Many politicians turned out to pay their respects, among them the Minister for Education, Mr Woods, the Minister for Arts Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, Ministers of State Mr Eoin Ryan and Ms Mary Hanafin, and Fine Gael TD Mr Jim Mitchell.
Mr Tunney will be buried today in Mulhuddart Cemetery after Requiem Mass at noon.