Paisley sends message of sympathy

Condolences: The Rev Ian Paisley has written to the Taoiseach extending his sympathy to the parents, families and friends of…

Condolences: The Rev Ian Paisley has written to the Taoiseach extending his sympathy to the parents, families and friends of those killed in the Navan bus crash.

The Taoiseach also received many other messages of sympathy including letters from the British prime minister Mr Blair and the Chinese premier Wen Jiabao.

In his letter Dr Paisley said he wanted "to convey the heartfelt sympathy of the people of Ulster" to the relatives and friends of those "who lost their lives in the horrific accident in Navan. Our sympathy is also extended to the principals, teachers and students of the schools concerned and to all who were involved in the tragedy.

"Please assure everyone of our prayers to them in their great sorrow. We are also praying for the healing of those who are still in hospital. At such a time our Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who can relieve such sorrow, and to Whom we can turn for comfort and solace."

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Mr Blair said that the death of anyone in such circumstances was a tragedy "but all the more so when the dead and injured are so young. The impact on the families, the schools and the local community can only be imagined, but the dignified way in which they have borne their grief has been truly remarkable. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they try to come to terms with their loss."

The Chinese premier said he was shocked to hear of the accident. Mr Jiabao said that on behalf of the Chinese government and on his own behalf he wanted to express condolences and sympathy to the families of the dead and the injured.

Hundreds of people, many of them children, have been signing books of condolence in Co Meath.

The books were opened to the public at 10am yesterday and will be open all this week until 4pm.

The first one, located at County Hall in Navan, was opened by the county manager Tom Dowling and the chairman of the county council Tommy Reilly.

They other books are in Navan town hall, Navan library, Kells town hall which is located in Kells business park and in Trim town hall which is in Mornington House on the Summerhill Road, Trim.