Ahern leads Europe's tribute to victims

AT half-mast, the flags of Ireland and Spain flew from Government Buildings yesterday as the Taoiseach and President of the European Council, Bertie Ahern, led a three-minute silence across Europe.

Speaking after the brief ceremony, Mr Ahern said he wanted to thank the Irish people and the people of Europe "who have joined in this commemorative silence as a demonstration of our collective sense of solidarity with Spain and its people".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were killed and injured in last Thursday's atrocity. Today's demonstration also marks our steadfast determination to fight the scourge of terrorism, which threatens all of our basic freedoms," said the Taoiseach.

Jose Andres Galleges, Charge d'Affaires of the Spanish Embassy, other embassy staff and members of the Spanish community in Ireland flanked Mr Ahern on the steps of the building.

Staff from Mr Ahern's department, the Department of Finance and the Office of the Attorney General were among the hundreds who attended. The trade union movement was represented by David Begg, secretary general, Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Galleges would not be drawn on whether the Taoiseach should cancel his US visit on St Patrick's Day to present a shamrock to Mr Bush, or whether Mr Ahern should instead summon a meeting of the EU security council arising from the Madrid atrocities.

"First of all I should say we are very grateful to the Taoiseach and to the Irish, because they have been working with us from every point of view in order to help. I'm sure the Taoiseach will take his decisions perfectly well," the Spanish diplomat said.

Pressed on whether the Taoiseach was doing enough, Mr Galleges replied: "I think the Taoiseach is doing as much as he can to help, with all the Irish who have political responsibilities in the council".

At noon Spanish-time, Michael O'Riordan, 86, chose to pay his tribute on Spanish territory to the Madrid victims when he visited the Spanish Embassy in Ballsbridge, Dublin to sign the book of condolences.

The 86-year-old Cork-born anti-fascist veteran fought as a volunteer member of the International Brigade against General Franco during the Spanish civil war in 1936. He was made an honorary citizen of Spain in 1996.

Mr O'Riordan signed the book of condolences as follows: "Deepest sympathy with the peoples of Spain and solidarity in the fight against terrorism and war."