President Michael D. Higgins condemns Manchester attack

Irish musicians and other public figures have been reacting to last night's horrific suicide bomb attack at Ariana Grande's gig in Manchester, a city that has been a home away from home for many of us down through the years.
Reflecting on that, President Michael D. Higgins says: ""This cowardly attack on innocent citizens will have appalled all those who care for democracy, freedom and the right to live and enjoy the public space. Manchester has been home to the Irish and so many nationalities for centuries and at this terrible time I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but our solidarity.
"Our thoughts in Ireland are with all of the people of Manchester and our neighbours throughout the United Kingdom at this time. I am conveying this message to the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and I will be writing formally to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to convey the sympathy of the Irish people."
"Targeting a concert where the majority of people attending it are kids?" proffers James Vincent McMorrow. "Beyond cowardly and contemptible."
Here are some of the other social media postings:

Feel awful. Concerts are the ultimate escapism. A fantasy land for a few hours & Ariana has such a young following. It's just pure evil.

— Eoghan McDermott (@eoghanmcdermo) May 23, 2017

Sending our love to the city of Manchester and everyone affected by last nights tragedy xxx

— Snow Patrol (@SnowPatrolBand) May 23, 2017

The people snakily conflating Manchester with Ra 20 years years ago to bash Corbyn are shit buckets using fresh misery for political gain.

— Rubber Bandits (@Rubberbandits) May 23, 2017

It's literally the whole point. Remember this when the Paul Joseph Watsons of the world start running their mouths https://t.co/ooNE8FAW2e

— Graham Linehan (@Glinner) May 23, 2017

It's literally the whole point. Remember this when the Paul Joseph Watsons of the world start running their mouths https://t.co/ooNE8FAW2e

— Graham Linehan (@Glinner) May 23, 2017

Hard to get head around what's happened in Manchester. Immensely upsetting viewing and scenes . Fucking heartbreaking

— Niall Breslin (@nbrez) May 23, 2017

We warn children to stay away from strangers and dark alleys...not pop concerts with their mum. Can't sink much lower. Awful. #Manchester

— Dee Woods (@RaDeeOh) May 23, 2017

Music is life, which is why terrorist death cults attack it. What happened in Manchester is awful. The way we respond is what defines us. https://t.co/i9vnKdjO8D

— Neil McCormick (@neil_mccormick) May 23, 2017

Anyone with concerns for Irish citizens in Manchester can contact the Embassy 02072352171 or Dublin +353-1-4082000.

— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) May 23, 2017