Dublin expresses horror after shootings in Paris

THERE was strong national and local reaction to the horrific shootings in Paris last week when masked men gunned down 12 people during an attack on the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

As tens of thousands staged rallies on streets in cities and towns across France last Wednesday night, dozens of people gathered at the Spire on O’Connell Street in solidarity with those who were killed.

Among those at the Spire were French people living in Ireland who lit candles and brought flowers. Many were holding posters stating

‘Je suis Charlie’ (I am Charlie).

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Christy Burke said:

“On behalf of the citizens of Dublin, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the French President, Francois Hollande, the French authorities and the people of Paris and France.

“We stand united with the people of France who have taken to the streets in their multitudes this evening to show solidarity with the victims of the tragedy.

?

President Michael D Higgins said he was deeply saddened to learn of the shootings.

“All of our thoughts are with the people of France who have experienced such a dreadful and brutal tragedy and such an unjustifiable loss of innocent life,

? he said.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was shocked and appalled by the brutal and horrific killings.

“Our thoughts are above all with the victims and their families, but also with the people of Paris and of France,

? he said.

“The murder of journalists and writers at their place of work is a direct attack on the basic values of freedom of speech and of tolerance.

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Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said:

“The targeting of a media publication is a direct attack on democracy and freedom, values which we cherish.

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Southside TD Eric Byrne (Lab) said the attack was a

“twisted reminder of the dangerous elements which exist in our global village

?.

“This poisonous element in our society must not and should not be tolerated,

? he said.

“The constituency I represent is one which is widely diverse and very much multicultural. However, more must be done to foster a sense of trust and partnership across all sections of our community, not just here in Dublin, but around the world.

?

Alan Shatter TD said the barbaric, murderous terrorist attack was also an attack on the values of democracy and freedom.

“Unfortunately, as is clear from recent events, this is not an isolated incident,

? he said.

“It is crucial that we do not in any way underestimate the threat posed by terrorism and, in particular, Islamic terrorism and take united and determined action in Europe to counteract that threat.

Minister for Communications, Alex White, stated:

“This is an unacceptable attack on the core value of freedom of expression, in the media and elsewhere, that underpin democratic societies. It is also a human tragedy and my heart goes out to the families of the victims.

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The European Network Against Racism Ireland, ENAR Ireland, condemned the murders but warned of a racist backlash.

“There is no justification whatsoever for the attack on the Charlie Hedbo newspaper offices in Paris,

? Director Shane O Curry said.

“Bearing in mind the hurt and outrage that this atrocity has provoked, we caution against any commentary that can lead to the view that it is Muslims who are to blame collectively, or that there is something inherent in what is understood as

‘Muslim culture’ or in Islamic texts which is at the root of this.

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