The funeral has taken place in Dublin of former Government minister Séamus Brennan, who died on Wednesday aged 60.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen and most of the Cabinet were in attendance.
In his homily, Chief Celebrant Fr Enda McDonagh called on the congregation to remember Mr Brennan by working for the common good, and not for selfish, materialistic ends.
Mr Cowen, who delivered a eulogy at the funeral Mass in Dundrum, described Séamus Brennan as an 'exceptional figure' at the cutting edge of politics.
Addressing the congregation for almost 20 minutes, the Taoiseach said Mr Brennan was a 'brilliant strategist' who was born with a talent for practising the art of politics.
Leading the mourners at the Church of the Holy Cross were his wife Ann, four daughters and two sons. More than 1,000 people attended the church at its grounds.
Mr Brennan had been in politics all his life, first as Fianna Fáil General Secretary, as a TD for Dublin South for 27 years and as a minister in various departments.
President Mary McAleese and Mr Cowen were among the attendance last night at the removal.
Former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern, Albert Reynolds and Liam Cosgrave joined other ministers as well as serving and former politicians at the ceremony.
Click here for a look back at Séamus Brennan's career and complete coverage of reaction to his death.
