19 April 2007 Edition
Sympathy on Virginia massacre
The future First Minister and deputy First Minister offered their condolences this week to the American people following the massacre at Virginia Tech University. In a letter to US President George Bush, Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness said:
"It was with great regret and shock that we learned of the deaths of 32 people in Virginia Tech University and wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and to the American people. Our thoughts are with the parents and families of those who have died and we would be grateful if you could extend our sincere sympathy to them and let them know that our thoughts are with them at this grief-stricken time.
“We fully understand the impact that events like this can have on a community and the population as a whole. The loss of any life is difficult to bear. The senseless loss of young life in such numbers is particularly tragic. Our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult and sad time."
"It was with great regret and shock that we learned of the deaths of 32 people in Virginia Tech University and wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and to the American people. Our thoughts are with the parents and families of those who have died and we would be grateful if you could extend our sincere sympathy to them and let them know that our thoughts are with them at this grief-stricken time.
“We fully understand the impact that events like this can have on a community and the population as a whole. The loss of any life is difficult to bear. The senseless loss of young life in such numbers is particularly tragic. Our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult and sad time."