The people of Ireland stand united with France, Taoiseach says

Kenny: Country stands united with people of France

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has personally responded to the terrorist attacks in France by assuring the country that Ireland “stands united” with it in its hour of need.

Mr Kenny wrote the message while signing the book of condolence at the French embassy on Ailesbury Rd in Dublin yesterday.

In a short visit to the facility as events in France continued to escalate, the Fine Gael leader wrote: “Today as always, the people of Ireland stand united with the people of France.”

The Taoiseach then stopped to offer his personal condolences to French Ambassador to Ireland, Jean-Pierre Thébault, and members of staff who held the “Je suis Charlie” sign in memory of those who died at satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday.

Mr Thébault afterwards told reporters he took great significance from the message and visit and appreciated the important message of solidarity between the two nations.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald wrote a personal message in the book of condolence later in the day.

In a statement, she said Ireland will seek to learn any lessons from what has happened and redouble efforts to protect everyone in the EU.

“Today I spoke with the French Ambassador to Ireland and conveyed my sincere condolences over the appalling events which had taken place.

“As well as expressing my sympathy to the French people, as justice minister I expressed my particular condolences in relation to those members of the French police who made the ultimate sacrifice in trying to protect the public they serve.”

Ms Fitzgerald said the “events of this week” have been a “tragic and stark reminder of the threat posed” by extremists.

She said there is a “determination” among justice ministers across the EU to “take all possible measures” to counteract the threat, and stressed that she will raise the issue at next week’s cabinet meeting.