Taoiseach says he will attend funeral

REACTION:TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny has confirmed that he will attend the funeral of Constable Ronan Kerr, killed by a car bomb in Omagh on Saturday.

Mr Kenny spoke to British prime minister David Cameron by telephone yesterday afternoon to discuss the killing and explore how both governments can react to the killing.

Mr Kenny, who described it as an outrage, also spoke to Constable Kerr’s mother, Nuala, to express his condolences.

Before her conversation with Mr Kenny, Ms Kerr read out a statement saying people in Northern Ireland were striving for a neutral police force. She also urged Catholics not to be deterred by her son’s murder.

Mr Kenny had earlier spoken by telephone to Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson and to Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. The conversations took place in the morning.

A spokesman for Mr Kenny confirmed he would attend the funeral of the police officer.

“The Taoiseach spoke to Mrs Kerr and has said he will be going to the funeral,” said the spokesman.

He added that Mr Kenny had committed that every relevant agency in the State would be made available to assist in the hunt for Constable Kerr’s killers.

Time has also been set aside in the Dáil today for statements on the fatal bomb attack.

Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe agreed to allow the statements, which will follow the Order of Business.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams welcomed the move.

“It is important that the political representatives in the Dáil are afforded the opportunity to express their condemnation of the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr.

“For that reason Sinn Féin contacted the Government and I welcome its commitment to allow time [today],” he said.