MICHEAL MARTIN has led the tributes to Prince Philip following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death at the age of 99.
The Prince’s passing was announced in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.
The Taoiseach was one of several Irish politicians to pay his respects.
Martin said: “Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.”
His sentiments were echoed by Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney who said: “I want to express sincere condolences to all British people on the sad passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“Our thoughts and solidarity are with you on a very sad day for the United Kingdom.”
As First Minister of Northern Ireland and Democratic Unionist Party Leader, I offer my deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and to all members of the Royal Family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/5k5bqRtPzq
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) April 9, 2021
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also issued a statement following the news.
She tweeted: “Sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and family on the death of her husband Prince Phillip.
“Sympathies to those of a British identity on our island, for whom his death will be felt as a great loss.”
In Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster also paid her respects
The First Minister said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. It is a sadness that I know will be shared by countless others in Northern Ireland and right across the world.
“Prince Philip was widely respected for his active and dedicated service to the country and for his steadfast support to Her Majesty the Queen throughout her reign.
“He had a strong interest in Northern Ireland and I had the privilege of meeting him on a number of his many visits here.
“He had a profound and positive impact on thousands of our young people who found their purpose, passion and place in the world through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
“This inspirational programme is just one example of the many charities and voluntary organisations in which he was involved right up to his retirement from public service at the age of 96.
“I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and to the other members of the Royal family at this sad time.”
As First Minister of Northern Ireland and Democratic Unionist Party Leader, I offer my deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and to all members of the Royal Family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/5k5bqRtPzq
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) April 9, 2021
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and her family on the death of her husband Prince Philip.
“Over the past two decades there have been significant interventions by the British Royal family to assist in the building of relationships between Britain and Ireland.”
Away from politics, the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland also expressed his sympathy following the death of the duke.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said:“Prince Philip has been a regular visitor to Northern Ireland in connection with his widespread charitable work.”
“Many pupils from right across the community here have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme,” he continued.
“However, his visit to Ireland along with Queen Elizabeth in 2011 stands out as a cherished moment of peace and reconciliation and as an historic demonstration of the importance of mutual understanding and respectful relationships between these islands.
“I will offer prayers for Queen Elizabeth and her family at this difficult personal time and will pray for the happy repose of the soul of Prince Philip.”
