Cardinal lies in state in Armagh

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The body of the former Catholic Primate of All-Ireland, the late Cardinal Cahal Daly, has been moved to St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh.

Cardinal Daly died on Thursday, three days after being rushed to the coronary unit of Belfast City Hospital.

His remains were carried to the door of the cathedral by GAA captains from Armagh, and into the church by six priests from the archdiocese.

Cardinal Daly's remains will lie in state until a funeral on Tuesday.

Born in Loughguile, County Antrim, on 1 October 1917, Cardinal Daly was archbishop of Armagh and primate of All Ireland in the early 1990s.

He was made a cardinal in 1991. He retired in 1996 aged 79 and returned to his study of philosophy.

Condolences

First Minister Peter Robinson was criticised over the weekend for not releasing a statement of condolence on the cardinals death.

The DUP leader released a statement in Sunday.

In it he said he had "been indisposed due to family issues".

Last week, Mr Robinson's wife Iris, the MP for Strangford, announced she was quitting politics because of an ongoing battle with severe depression.

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

Before Mr Robinson released the statement, former Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon had said he was surprised there had been no comment.

Former Church of Ireland primate Lord Eames also said he was disappointed by the lack of a statement by Mr Robinson.