President Mary McAleese yesterday offered the sympathies of the Irish people to Finnish president, Tarja Halonen, following last week's killings at a Finnish school. Nine people including the 18-year-old gunman died.
Shortly after arriving at Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday, the Finnish head of state was clearly touched after she was given a sympathy card by Stephen O'Keeffe, a young pupil from St Malachi's National School, Edenmore in Dublin.
During a State dinner last night, President McAleese told President Halonen and her husband, Dr Pentti Arajarvi, that the Jokela High School killings had shown the "strong and spontaneous affinity" between Ireland and Finland.
President Halonen's visit continues until tomorrow.
Yesterday, she met Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Pat Moylan.
Following a tree planting ceremony at the Áras, President Halonen laid a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, before travelling to Iveagh House to meet the Taoiseach.
Today, she will address a seminar on the impact of globalisation on the EU's labour market and social dialogue.
Later she will visit UCD and Trinity College, where she will inspect the Books of Kells.
On Wednesday, she will visit Newgrange and the site of the Battle of the Boyne in Oldbridge, Co Meath, before departing for home.
