Enda Kenny's "sadness and horror" at the Tunisia shooting

IRELAND’S political leader has expressed his “sadness and horror” at the deaths of three Irish citizens in last week’s shooting in Tunisia.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny led his Government in a minute’s silence yesterday, as he addressed the tragedy in the Dáil.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I want to express my sadness and horror at the deaths of Lorna Carty and Martina and Laurence Hayes,” he said. “Nothing we can say or do can make up for their loss.”

Ms Carty, a nurse from Robinstown in Co. Meath, was killed in the attack at a beach in Sousse on Friday, June 26. Married couple Martina and Laurence (Larry) Hayes from Athlone, Co. Westmeath, also died in the shooting.

In his address, the Taoiseach also expressed his sympathies to the families of the British victims – and revealed that Ireland and Britain will be working together to combat terrorism in the wake of the attack.

“This morning I spoke to Prime Minister David Cameron about the murders of our own people and from around the world,” he said. “We will be working together to do all we can to protect the freedom and security we hold dear.”

“We will also work with our partners to end the threat of ISIS with its savagery and hate.”

Following his speech, Mr Kenny led the Dáil in a minute’s silence in memory of Ireland’s lost lives in the holiday resort.

Meanwhile, a nationwide minute’s silence will be held here in Britain on Friday, July 3 at noon – marking one week since the shooting in Tunisia.

David Cameron will lead the country in mourning for its estimated 30 lives lost.