'I Want To Send The People Of This Great City Not Only Our Sympathy But Our Solidarity'
The suicide attack that struck Manchester last night at an Ariana Grande concert has shocked the world and political leaders have been coming out in condmenation of the autrocity. This morning, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins released a statement offering his condolences to the families of the victims, people of Manchester and the UK.
'This cowardly attack on innocent citizens will have appalled all those who care for democracy, freedom and the right to live and enjoy the public space.
'Manchester has been home to the Irish and so many nationalities for centuries and at this terrible time I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but our solidarity.
'Our thoughts in Ireland are with all of the people of Manchester and our neighbours throughout the United Kingdom at this time.
'I am conveying this message to the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and I will be writing formally to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to convey the sympathy of the Irish people.'
The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, released a statement condemning the attackers as "vile" stating: 'The vile acts carried out in Manchester last night are a reminder of the depravity of the views held by the few. Those beliefs have no place in our society.'
An Taoiseach, speaking to RTÉ news, stated that Ireland will not be raising the alert at the present time but he will be speaking to the Garda Commissioner about possible future Irish threats. Kenny offered the UK government assistance during this difficult period.