Sir, - I hope all our political and religious leaders will come together and hold a national day of remembrance for the victims of this appalling mass murder in the United States.
Aside from our national empathy for all those who will now be mourning their relatives, we must face the fact that Ireland too will be mourning lost ones.
We should also bear in mind that many families have lost not just loved ones, but bread-winners, and such loss will have immediate and long-term financial repercussions on individual families. It may be beneficial if, at this time, serious thought be given to a establishing a national fund which, in co-operation with the Taoiseach's Department and the American Embassy, could channel emergency funds to individuals in need, both here and in the United States.
To a country that has been such a friend to Ireland over so many generations, and in which so many Irish men and women have worked and served over those generation - from the lowest to the most powerful jobs in the land - we offer our prayers, our support and our solidarity. In the very best meaning of the words, God bless America at this time. - Yours, etc.,
Declan P. Hughes, Co-ordinator, Irish Veterans' Memorial Project, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1.