Former political advisor PJ Mara will be laid to rest in Co Galway today.

The 73-year-old, who was known for his work as advisor to the former Taoiseach Charlie Haughey, passed away in hospital on Friday following a long illness.

Mara also served as Government Press Secretary for Fianna Fáil.

His funeral mass took place in Dublin yesterday.

He will be buried at in Mount Cross Cemetery in Kinvara this afternoon.

Newstalk's Political Editor Shane Coleman says Mara was widely respected - but was also known to have a particular manner when dealing with journalists.

He explains "you could not have a PJ Mara as Government Press Secretary today".