THE President, Mrs Robinson, expressed shock, when told the of the bombing in Lisburn. She was addressing a luncheon meeting of the Boston United Nations Association at the time.
While she was still not sure of the exact circumstances of the bombing, she said that her "sympathy and heartfelt support" went out to the victims and their families.
But whatever the circumstances, she said that "we have to renew our commitment to peace and reconciliation", something she had been talking about in Boston to various groups.
In a grim coincidence, the IRA bomb in Manchester disrupted the final stages of Mrs Robinson's State visit to Washington last June.
Last night in New York, she presented the Co operation Ireland award to former senator, Mr George Mitchell, chairman of the all party talks, for his role in the peace process.
The President told reporters that "we cannot go back to the cycle of violence. We cannot return to what Northern Ireland has experienced over the past 25 years." She hoped that when she learned the full details of this latest bombing, "it will not be as grim" as it first seemed.
She said her "heart goes out to the very many likeable and supportive people who are building peace in Northern Ireland". She wanted to encourage their efforts and determination to give the leadership which was very badly needed.