Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

As Leader of Seanad Éireann and on behalf of Senators on all sides of the House, I express sincere sympathy and condolences to the Polish Government and the people of Poland following the tragic air accident in Russia on 10 April which claimed the lives of the President of the Republic of Poland, His Excellency Lech Kaczynski; his wife, Maria, and 94 others in Russia. This tragic event was a source of great shock all around the world. Mr. Kaczynski made a major contribution to public life in Poland as President, as Minister for Justice and as a great Solidarity personality in the 1980s and 1990s. He was forthright in his views, a trait that stood him well in the many important political positions he held during the years. That his wife, Maria, perished in the same accident makes the tragedy all the more horrific for their family, especially their daughter, Marta.

Leading figures from the Polish Government, the parliament, the military, the church, the public service and civic society were also killed in the tragedy and our sympathy goes to their families. The tragedy is all the more poignant because of the circumstances in which it happened. The President and his travelling party were due to attend a ceremony to commemorate the terrible massacre of thousands of Polish soldiers in 1940. What was to have been an important symbolic moment of reconciliation became instead a tragic and horrible event. I again offer condolences to the Polish Government and people at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been bereaved and, more generally, Polish people everywhere, including the many thousands who live among us in Ireland. Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a anam.