Taoiseach rejects calls for national day of mourning
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has rejected calls for the declaration of a national day of mourning for the Pope.
Several countries throughout the world have declared official mourning periods and Mr Ahern has been coming under pressure to also do so in Ireland.
Such a move would see all workers being given a public holiday to mark the death of John Paul II.
In ruling out the move today, Mr Ahern said this week was being treated as a period of mourning and he hoped employers would facilitate staff who wished to attend church services or other commemorations.
He said public servants would be allowed to attend services during the Pope’s funeral on Friday, subject to the agreement of their supervisors.
Schools will also have the option of closing, but that will be at the discretion of local management.
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