Three minutes’ silence observed for Madrid bomb victims

People throughout Ireland have observed three minutes’ of silence in memory of the 200 people who died in last week’s bomb attacks in Madrid.

The EU-wide tribute, which was observed at 11am Irish time, was called by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, in his role as president of the EU Council of Ministers.

Mr Ahern observed the silence with staff from his department at the forecourt in Government buildings.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions had also called on workers throughout the country to down tools and support the gesture.