Kenny offers sympathies on ‘blackest of black days for Paris’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the terrorist attacks on Paris which killed more than 120 people was the “blackest of black days for Paris”.

Mr Kenny offered his "thoughts and sympathies" to the bereaved French people for "the second time in ten months".

"It's the blackest of black days for Paris, for France, for its citizens, and through them for the citizens of the free world."

He said it was a shocking attack on humanity. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families”.

“Once again we are witnessing carnage on the streets of Paris. Again the capital is suffering at the hands of those who seek only to wreak havoc and destruction on civil society.

“My thoughts and those of all the Irish people are with the French people this evening. As ever we stand as one with them and will never bend to the evil of terrorism.”

President Michael D Higgins also expressed his condolences to France.

“On behalf of the Irish people and on my own behalf I offer deepest sympathy through president Hollande to the people of France on this dreadful loss of life and appalling injuries.”

“All of our thoughts are with the people of France as events unfold.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan offered his "deepest condolences and sympathy" to H.E. Jean-Pierre Thébault, France's Ambassador to Ireland.

“I told him that we stand with the people of France at this time of great difficulty and that Ireland will assist in any way possible.”

“Consular staff in my department are also on hand to take calls from concerned families here in Ireland and they may be contacted at any time at (01) 408 2000”.