Ahern calls for EU silence to remember bomb victims

Bertie Ahern has called for a Europe-wide three-minute period of silence to commemorate the victims of the Madrid bombings.

Speaking on behalf of the current Irish presidency of the EU, Mr Ahern said the tribute should start at midday, Madrid-time, on Monday.

He said: “I know that I speak for all of my colleagues on the European Council in assuring our Spanish colleague, Jose Maria Aznar, and the Spanish people of our collective support at this difficult time.

“I am asking the Irish people to observe this commemorative silence on Monday next and hope it will be observed across the EU.

“It will demonstrate our collective sense of solidarity with Spain and its people and our steadfast determination to fight the scourge of terrorism, which threatens all of our basic freedoms.”