Cardinal Lying In State

The remains of Cardinal Cahal Daly have been moved to Armagh, where he will lie in state ahead of tomorrow's funeral mass.

Cardinal Daly, the former Catholic Primate of All-Ireland, died on Thursday at Belfast City Hospital.

Last night his body was carried into St Patrick's Cathedral by six priests from the archdiocese.

The 92-year-old cardinal, born in Loughguile, Co Antrim, joined the priesthood in 1941, rising to the rank of bishop in 1967.

In the early 1990s he was appointed leader of the Catholic church in Ireland, having been made a cardinal in 1991.

Five years later Cardinal Daly retired to return to his philosophy studies.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson paid tribute to the late clergy man yesterday.

"I am acutely aware of the high esteem with which Cardinal Daly was held by many throughout the community," Mr Robinson said.

"He was consistent in his opposition to the use of violence to advance political objectives.

"Cardinal Daly's passing has caused immense grief for many in the community who looked to him for spiritual and theological guidance and my thoughts are also with them at this time."

The DUP Leader was criticised for not offering his condolences earlier.

He said the timing of his response was "due to family issues".

Mr Robinson's wife, Iris, last week announced she would step down from her Strangford parliamentary seat for health reasons.

Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also paid tribute to Cardinal Daly.

He said it was no secret that republicans and Cardinal Daly had never enjoyed a close relationship.

"However in the course of recent years I met with him on numerous occasions all of which were friendly and warm encounters.

"So it was with genuine sadness this evening that I learnt of his passing at hospital in Belfast."

He added: "I would wish to extend my condolences to Cardinal Daly’s family, friends and colleagues within the Church at this sad time."

Cardinal Daly's funeral will be held tomorrow.

(PR/GK)