Book of condolence for Norway victims opened
Labour Youth is opening a book of condolence for the victims of the Norwegian massacre.
Tánaiste and party leader Eamon Gilmore extended his sympathies to Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg on the deaths, claiming it was an attack on democracy.
“Yesterday’s shooting at Utoya was not just an attack on young people, but was an attack on democracy itself, and I would like to echo Mr Stoltenberg’s determination that these attacks would not destroy Norway and would not diminish in any way Norwegian ideals for a better world,” Mr Gilmore said.
Mr Gilmore signed the book of condolence at Labour Party headquarters in central Dublin.
It will be opened to the public from Monday. An online book is also available on the party’s website.
Sympathies have been expressed from across the political spectrum.
Fianna Fáil TD Sean O Fearghail said: “This is an extremely difficult time for the people of Norway. I want to extend my condolences to the families of all those who died in yesterday’s bombing in Oslo and shooting on Utoya island, resulting in dozens of lives lost.”
Sinn Féin’s Foreign Affairs spokesman Padraig Mac Lochlainn said: “Our thoughts are with the families of those who tragically lost their lives in this horrific attack and also with those who are injured.
“The people of Norway and indeed the world are in shock at the events that unfolded yesterday.”
The Unite trade union described the killings as an act of brutality.
“The bloody slaughter of young democratic activists is truly appalling. Unite’s sympathies to all affected by these monstrous acts,” said regional secretary Jimmy Kelly.
“Democracy is something we cherish, as is life.”
