With your permission, a Chathaoirleach, I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my sense of shock and outrage at the murder of Signor Aldo Moro. This murder was a calculated attack on the Italian parliamentary system and an attempt to undermine democracy in that country, and is something which in one way or another affects all of us in every democratic country. I hope I may, on behalf of the Seanad, express the sympathy of all Members with the family of Signor Moro.
Death of Signor Moro: Expression of Sympathy.
We on this side of the House wish to be associated with this vote of sympathy. We, too, are shocked at this savage deed, not only because we share a lot in common with the people of Italy and the Christian Democratic Party of Europe to which we as a group belong, but because the countries of Europe feel at the moment that they must unite solidly together to promote and preserve the democratic system that Signor Moro so ardently believed in and for which he gave his life in dedicated work.
On behalf of the Labour group I would like to join with the Leader of the House and the Leas-Chathaoirleach in expressing outrage at the manner of the kidnapping and death of Signor Moro and also to join in the expression of deep sympathy with his family for the tragic and harrowing circumstances of that death.
On behalf of the Independent Senators, I would like to add our voices to those already raised in condemnation and horror at this murder and to express our deep-felt sympathy for the relatives of signor Aldo Moro, and our sympathy and also our sense of solidarity with the Italian Government and with Signor Moro's colleagues in office in their very demanding and arduous struggle against anarchy and terrorism.
Members rose in their places.