Ireland / Statement by the Tánaiste on the Deaths in Port Said

DUBLIN, Ireland, February 3, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D., delivered the following statement today on the deaths yesterday in Port Said, Egypt.

“I condemn unreservedly the appalling violence which occurred at the end of last night's match in Port Said and which is now estimated to have resulted in 75 deaths and over a thousand people injured.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I express my deepest condolences to the Egyptian people and the families of those bereaved and injured.

It is important that last night's unacceptable incidents are the subject of an immediate and independent investigation and I would urge the new Egyptian government to ensure this happens as speedily as possible. No effort should be spared to bring the perpetrators and those responsible for instigating the violence to justice before the Egyptian civilian court system. The Egyptian people expect no less, against the backdrop of the democratic transition underway in that country.”