Book Of Condolence Opens At Belfast City Hall

A book of condolence has open at the Belfast City Hall today, 16 November, in honour of the victims of the attacks in Paris.

The Lord Mayor Arder Carson and members of political parties attended the signing.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said: "On behalf of the SDLP I want to express our sincere sympathy and solidarity with the people of Paris following the devastating scenes that unfolded on the streets of the city over the weekend.

"I also want to express our profound sadness following the ISIS bombing in a busy Beirut marketplace that killed over 40 innocent people. These attacks, no matter where they happen, no matter the scale of the destruction, no matter who the culprit, are an attack on all of us who value the primacy and the power of peace.

"As a people, and as an island, we acutely understand the suffering of the people of France and Lebanon. We know what it's like to face the threat of terrorism and to face down those who seek to murder and maim their way to political goals.

"Today we stand in solidarity with the founding principles of the French republic. The liberty to live our lives free from the threat of violence, the equality of all peoples regardless of colour or creed and a fraternal bond between all people and all parties committed to the power of peace as a tool for change."

Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: "We pledge our solidarity to the people of Paris at this terrible time. 

"We extend deepest sympathy to the victims and survivors of Friday night's horror and send our love and respect to all the people of that wounded city with which we enjoy close ties of history and community.

"Our thoughts are with all victims of the global wars which engulf us today, wars in which it is civilian populations who suffer most and who are most frightened as we saw clearly in Beirut also this weekend.

"We stand with the people of Paris in their message to the assailants of ISIS, in the words of the famous civil rights song; 'We are not afraid'."

First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA also paid tribute to the victims.

The Ministers said: "As the details surrounding this tragedy continue to unfold our thoughts and prayers are with the French people and particularly those who have lost loved ones as well as those who have been injured.

"Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with the French people and we stand shoulder to shoulder with President Hollande and France following these savage, barbaric and cowardly terrorist attacks in Paris."

A minute of silence was also held across Northern Ireland at 11am.

(CD/JP)