Breivik took drug before Norway attacks

Lawyers for Anders Breivik have said he used some sort of drug before carrying out the double attack in Norway on Friday in which 76 people were killed.

They said Breivik used the drug to make him "strong and efficient".

And they say he was disappointed that the court session in Oslo yesterday in which he admitted committing the car bombing and the shooting on Utoya Island was not in public.

Geir Lippestrad spoke after talking in jail to Breivik who told him he thought his "operation" was going to plan.

He revealed Breivik took drugs to be “strong, efficient and awake” before launching his Oslo bomb attack and island shooting rampage that together killed 76 people.

Mr Lippestrad described Breivik, 32, as a ’very cold’ person who described the attacks as necessary because he was in a state of war.

"This whole case indicated that he is insane,'' Mr Lippestad told a press conference.

He said that Breivik claimed that he was part of an anti-Islam network.

“He talks about two cells in Norway, but several cells abroad,” said Mr Lippestad.

He said that yesterday’s brief remand hearing was held behind closed doors over concerns that Breivik might send signals to other cells, if they actually exist, if the court had been open to the media.

Breivik asked Mr Lippestad how many people he killed in the attacks.

Mr Lippestad said that Breivik sees himself as a saviour.

The lawyer said that the attacks were “absurd and horrible” and did not know why Breivik picked him for his defence.

Meanwhile, books of condolence for the victims of the Norway tragedies are due to open in Dublin.

Members of the public can sign them between 10am and 4pm until Saturday at the Mansion House and at City Hall.

Another book is open at the Norwegian embassy on Molesworth Street.

Last night around 150,000 people gathered in Oslo for a candlelight vigil to remember the victims.

The Norwegian Justice Minister has today praised police for "fantastic" work after critics accused officers of being slow to react.

The lawyer representing Breivik says his client believes he is in a war and that it will continue for a number of years.

"He believes that and he sees it like that" he said.

"It is this war that will continue (for) 60 years, and in 60 years this war will be won" he added.