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The president has said those behind the killing of a journalist in Derry do not represent anybody on the island.<\/p>\nThe president has said those behind the killing of a journalist in Derry do not represent anybody on the island.<\/p>\n
Michael D Higgins urged them to reflect on their \u201cappalling\u201d actions during a visit to Belfast after signing a book of condolence to Lyra McKee.<\/p>\n
Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina were welcomed to Belfast City Hall by the Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast Fionnuala Jay-O\u2019Boyle and Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey.<\/p>\n
He was also greeted by Gerry Carson, chairman of the NUJ\u2019s Belfast and district branch.<\/p>\n
When asked whether he had any message for the dissident republicans who have been blamed for the killing, the Irish president said: \u201cWe must be able to speak and send messages to people.<\/p>\n
\u201cI say I hope when you reflect on what you have done, you will see the appalling, unsustainable, unjustified nature of what you have done.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have robbed her partner of their life together, and her family.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think as well it is very important for us to remember that we are not just simply talking about a writer, someone who was a journalist of skill, but also somebody who was a campaigner on so many issues that affect rights of all of us, and very particularly those rights that affect the equality of men, women and gender issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
After Mr Higgins signed the condolence book, he condemned the \u201coutrageous\u201d murder of Ms McKee.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarlier this morning, I expressed my shock on behalf of all of the Irish people and our outrage too at the taking of the life of a talented writer, journalist, campaigner for rights,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the course of her professional work to be taken away in such a fashion, and I have to say as well by those who represent, I think, nobody on this island.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an outrageous act and I want on behalf of all of the people of Ireland to express our deepest sympathy to her partner Sara and her family and friends, and all of those who will have worked with her.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe loss of a journalist at any time in any part of the world is an attack on truth itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe circumstances in which it happened, the firing on the police force that are seeking to protect the peace process, cannot be condoned by anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n