GARRET FitzGerald will be laid to rest this weekend following a state funeral, befitting his status as a political giant.

The former Taoiseach -- who headed up two Fine Gael-Labour coalitions in the 1980s -- died at the age of 85 following a short illness.

His remains will lie in repose in the Oak Room at the Mansion House in Dublin tomorrow from 11am until 7pm.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to file past the coffin and sign a Book of Condolence prior to the removal to the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook.

Following a service at the church at 8pm, the public will have another opportunity to file past the coffin and offer condolences to the FitzGerald family until 10.30pm.

The funeral Mass will take place from 2.30pm on Sunday, with burial afterwards at Shanganagh Cemetery in Shankill, Co Dublin.

ACTIVE

The cortege is expected to arrive at the cemetery around 4.30pm, according to details released by the Department of the Taoiseach.

Dr FitzGerald was pre-deceased by his wife Joan and is survived by his three children, Mark, John and Mary and his 10 grandchildren.

He had been invited to the State dinner in Dublin Castle on Wednesday evening in honour of Queen Elizabeth. But his condition deteriorated and he passed away early yesterday.

His family paid tribute to the staff at the Mater Private in Dublin where he died.

Dr FitzGerald continued to play a very active role in Irish public life since his retirement from politics in 1992.

A newspaper columnist and author, he was a frequent guest on radio and TV.

He was elected to the Seanad in 1965 and then to the Dail as a Fine Gael TD in 1969. He was Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1973 to 1977 and leader of the party from 1977 to 1987.

President Mary McAleese described him as a man steeped in the history of the State who strove to make Ireland a better place for all its people.

"His thoughtful writing, distinctive voice and probing intellect all combined to make him one of our national treasures. Above all, Garret Fitzgerald was a true public servant," she said.

"Long after he departed active politics, Garret continued to contribute to public life through his voluminous writing and scholarship."

Taoiseach Enda Kenny hailed Dr FitzGerald as "a truly remarkable man".

"I would say his towering intellect, his enthusiasm for life and optimism will be missed by everyone," Mr Kenny said.

- Cormac Murphy