Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan and Midlands-North-West European candidate Brendan Smith has said the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry last night was a heinous act which has no place on our island.

Deputy Smith said, “I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the family, partner, and friends of Lyra McKee.

“She was an awarding winning journalist and someone who represented the modern relationship we have, and I hope continue to have, between North and South.

“The shooting and riots which happened last night are despicable. We need strong political leadership from Belfast, London, and Dublin to ensure we do not return to violence in Northern Ireland,” concluded Deputy Smith.