Statement by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins on the attack in Manchester
Date: Tue 23rd May, 2017 | 09:04
President Michael D. Higgins has, in a statement issued this morning from Áras an Uachtaráin, offered his sympathy and that of the Irish people to the families of those who have lost their lives and those injured in the appalling attack on a place of recreation in Manchester, where young people and children were enjoying a concert:
"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."