merrion street

On behalf of the Irish Government and the Irish people, I want to extend my condolences to the partner, family and friends of Lyra McKee who was killed in Derry last night. 

An activist and journalist, she changed our lives as she lived and will do so again in death. 

Twenty-one years ago today, on Good Friday, we as a people, North and South, chose peace, power-sharing and ever-closer co-operation. We will not be dragged back into the past. 

There is no place nor any justification for political violence in Ireland, or Northern Ireland today. 

This was an act of fear. 

This was an act of hate. 

This was an act of cowardice. 

Those who carried it out, do not share the values of our nation, nor our Republic. 

We reject them. 

And so, this was an attack not just on one citizen, it was an attack on all of us, our nation and our freedoms. 

I want to express my solidarity with the people of Derry today. We stand with you as strong as your walls, and for as long as they stand. I want to acknowledge the work and the bravery of the PSNI and the emergency services. 

I echo the call that anyone who has information should come forward so that justice can be done.