THE DUP last night said party leader Arlene Foster was still undecided as to whether she would attend Martin McGuinness's funeral.

Requiem Mass for the former Stormont deputy first minister will be celebrated tomorrow at St Columba's Church, Long Tower in Derry at 2pm.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny have both confirmed that they will attend the funeral.

However as Derry prepares for an influx of political leaders for the funeral, a DUP spokesman said the former first minister - who was in government with Mr McGuinness for a year - had yet to decide if she would attend.

A spokesman said Mrs Foster had spent yesterday in talks aimed at re-establishing the Stormont institutions.

A number of political leaders, who worked with Mr McGuinness during the years of the peace process, are expected to travel to Derry for tomorrow’s funeral with arrangements still being finalised last night.

Catholic Primate Eamon Martin, who is also from Derry, will not be able to attend due to other commitments. However it is expected that he will visit Mr McGuinness’s wife, Bernie and family at their home.

.@BBCArchive takes a look back at the life of Martin McGuinness who has died pic.twitter.com/CWSL7iyy4b — BBC Radio Ulster (@bbcradioulster) March 21, 2017

Fr Michael Canny, who was a close personal friend of the former deputy first minister, will be the chief celebrant. Fr Canny, along with Presbyterian Minister, David Latimer, publicly endorsed Mr McGuinness’s campaign for the Irish presidency in 2011.

Fr Michael Canny and Presbyterian Minister, Rev David Latimer pictured with Martin McGuinness in Derry's Bogside in 2011. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

Fr Canny will be joined on the altar at St Columba’s Church by bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown. Other church leaders are also expected to attend.

Mr McGuinness’s funeral will take place from his home at 1.20pm tomorrow for Requiem Mass at 2pm with burial expected in the republican plot at Derry city cemetery.

Martin McGuinness' sons Fiachra (left) and Emmet, carry his coffin





Derry City FC captain Ryan McBride, who died suddenly at his home on Sunday, will also be buried from the church tomorrow. His funeral is due to take place at 10am.

It is understood President Higgins will attend both funerals.

The Derry City captain was also related to the McGuinness family by marriage.

Mr McBride’s uncle, William McGuinness is a brother of the former deputy first minister.

Thousands of people are expected in the city for Mr McGuinness’s funeral.

It is understood that roads around the church will be closed to traffic to facilitate those attending the funeral.