Bishops unite in prayer for victims and their relatives

CORK’S Bishops have united in prayer for the victims of yesterday’s fatal plane crash.

Bishop of Cork and Ross, the Right Reverend John Buckley, comforted relatives of the victims at the airport yesterday morning.

“There was very little we could do, very little we could say, except offer them our support and prayers,” he said.

The Last Rights were administered to the dead passengers by local parish priest, Fr Michael Murphy.

Bishop Buckley said he was very distressed by the scenes he saw.

Church of Ireland Bishop Paul Colton, who has flown on the Cork to Belfast route several times, said: “The solidarity, love and prayers of us all in the Church of Ireland community go out to all who are caught up in this tragedy: those on the plane and their families and friends; all those in the emergency services who are bringing their professional caring to assist in whatever way they can; those working for the airline; workers at Belfast City and Cork airports and the communities which they serve,” he said.

Campaigning in the General Election was temporarily stalled as rival politicians delayed events to pay respects to the victims of the Cork air crash. Political parties offered their condolences.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny held a minute’s silence at a press conference.

“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to those affected by the tragic accident in Cork Airport,” Mr Kenny said.

“My prayers are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives today, and anyone who has been injured.”

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said his thoughts were with all of those affected by the crash.

“I also want to send my best wishes and those of the Government to all of those who survived the crash and are being treated in hospital at present,” Mr Cowen said.

“I also want to commend the work of the various rescue crews and all of the emergency and support staff working to help those involved in the crash.”

Micheál Martin, Fianna Fáil leader, said: “I am greatly saddened to learn of the tragic accident in Cork Airport.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those who have sadly lost their lives or have incurred injury.

“I want also to commend the emergency services for their work and commitment.”

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said his thoughts and prayers were with the families of those involved.

“I want to praise the emergency services who had to cope with this morning’s awful events,” he said.