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.