President offers condolences on death of King Fahd

President McAleese has this afternoon offered condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland following the death of Saudi King Fahd.

The 82-year-old has been buried at a funeral service in Riyadh, but it's unclear whether anyone was officially sent to represent Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said a representative may be present during the period of mourning.

Mary McAleese wished his successor King Abdullah well in helping the world understand the true message of what she called 'the great religion of Islam'.