An abbreviated round-up of the reaction of Irish political leaders north and south to last night’s bombing in Manchester….
Arlene Foster, DUP…
We all stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester and must unite in condemnation of those who brought terror to so many families as they enjoyed a concert.
Whilst terrorists can bring pain and grief, the kindness and generosity displayed by the people of Manchester has already shown that they will not win.”
Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein…
“The attack at the Manchester arena which has left 22 dead and injured so many others was horrific and I condemn it.
“For something like that to happen while young people are out enjoying themselves is unthinkable.
Colum Eastwood, SDLP…
This was a heartbreaking act of barbarism. Today is a day for unity of purpose, not party political difference. The people of Ireland understand the tragic pain of loss that those in Manchester are feeling.
We stand with the people of Manchester today, unbroken, unbowed and resolutely determined to defeat those responsible.
Robin Swann, UUP…
…a barbaric attack on our young people and families out for an evening of entertainment.
It is an attempt to destroy our way of life and will not succeed. We stand united with the people of Manchester to face down the terrorists who carried out this cowardly act.
Naomi Long, Alliance…
My deepest thanks also go to the emergency services, who had to deal with the aftermath.
“Those behind these attacks cannot be allowed to win. They try to threaten our very way of life but in doing so, inspire people to show the best of humanity by presenting generosity and compassion. That is proof good will triumph over evil.
Jim Allister, TUV…
I hope, unlike the IRA campaign, no UK politicians will equivocate in their response. Terrorism is always wrong and evil, whether the bomb is detonated by the IRA or an Islamic terrorist or anyone else.
…it will take a much bigger response by government to defeat Islamic terrorism. Indeed it is more difficult terrorism to defeat, because, unlike the cowards of the IRA, Islamic terrorists embrace death.
Enda Kenny, An Taoiseach…
What sort of depraved mind would have a fix on this, and go to a situation where a young American singer entertains 18,000 people, the vast majority of whom are teenagers and young people, and has then scarred their lives forever.
Our ties with Manchester are so strong. It is a very tough time for the British Government and we will support them in offering assistance in whatever way we can.
Micheal Martin, Fianna Fail…
As a parent, I find this attack exceptionally difficult to comprehend, and while details are limited at present, it’s clear that whoever orchestrated this attack cares little for basic decency and humanity.
We know that the people of Manchester are strong and resilient and will rise above this barbaric attack on innocence.
Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein…
This was a shocking and horrendous attack on children and young people enjoying a concert. Our thoughts are with those killed and with all those who are injured.
Brendan Howlin, Irish Labour…
…today more than ever we stand alongside the community there, as they mourn the needless loss of so many young lives.
I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency workers and all those local people in Manchester who we are hearing have been doing all they can to help in the aftermath of this atrocity.
In the city itself there will be a vigil led by the newly elected metropolitan Mayor, Andy Burnham..
Please join us for a vigil at Albert Square at 6pm tonight. We are grieving today, but we are strong. @MENnewsdesk @BBCNWT @GranadaReports pic.twitter.com/opMjK0jFuT
— Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham (@MayorofGM) May 23, 2017
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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