23/04/2019

Govt Condemns Murder Of Journalist In Northern Ireland

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, has expressed his condemnation of the killing of journalist Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland on Thursday night, 18 April.

The 29-year-old freelance reporter, originally from north Belfast, was shot dead during a night of unrest in the Creggan area of L'Derry. The New IRA has since admitted to being behind the shooting.

"I am utterly shocked by the killing of Lyra McKee," Deputy Flanagan said. "Such a reckless regard for human life is horrendous. My thoughts are with all the family and friends of Lyra and all those impacted by this dreadful killing. For a 29 year old to be killed while simply doing their job is beyond words.

"We don't say it enough but journalists play a vital role in society, exposing themselves to danger so we can get a true insight into events.

"The courageous PSNI officers who risk their lives to maintain public safety deserve nothing less than wholehearted support from everyone in the community."

Political leaders in Northern Ireland have since expressed their willingness to reconvene talks aimed at restoring government, with SDLP leader Colum Eastwood writing to UK Prime Minister Theresa May and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to initiate the negotiation process.

President Michael D Higgins and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney are set to attend the murdered journalist's funeral tomorrow, Wednesday 24 April, in Belfast.



(JG/MH)

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