‘Cowardly’ Nice attack must not undermine our way of life, says President

President Michael D Higgins has expressed his condolences to the people of France after Thursday night's terror attack in Nice that left 84 dead.

Mr Higgins said the attack should be “received with revulsion by all those who value democracy”.

The President has spoken to French ambassador Jean-Pierre Thébault, offering his sympathy and requesting his message on behalf of the Irish people be passed to President François Hollande.

Mr Higgins said a “cowardly attack in a public place on a national day of celebration must be condemned in the strongest terms. We must strengthen our resolve not to let such cold-blooded attacks undermine the way of life in our global community seeking to live in diversity and peace”.

“All of the thoughts of those who value freedom and the public world are with the people of France at this time. I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the families of all those bereaved and injured.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he wished on the part of the Government to express his sympathies and solidarity with the French people.

He added: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at this horrific attack in Nice. Once again innocent people have been targeted at an occasion of joy and celebration.

“French people have suffered appallingly and have again been the victim of cynical and wanton violence. We cannot and will not yield to this malevolence.”

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald described the attack in Nice as "an unspeakably evil outrage".

“Whatever its motivation, it seems clear that its intent was to kill, wound and terrorise ordinary people enjoying the freedoms we cherish so much.

“This is yet another time of great anguish for the people of France. All who cherish democracy will stand with them in the knowledge that our values will ultimately prevail in the face of such savagery,” she said.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said it had been a "horrendous and callous attack on people's freedom as they celebrated Bastille Day".

“It is shocking that the people of France have yet again been visited by such horrific tragedy. We must all stand together in total condemnation of this tragedy.”

Archbishop of Dublin Diarmaid Martin said all terrorist endeavours attack the fundamental basis of our democratic co-existence.

“There is only one way to fight attacks on democracy and that is to reinforce democracy and uncompromisingly affirm our commitment to democracy,” he said.

“Democracy involves respect for rights and values of each person and for the rule of law. Where the quality of democracy is weakened, the door is opened to those who use their own ideology or power to render us all weaker and less protected.”

Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said people must “stand together in the face of hate and intolerance and show solidarity with the people of France at this time”.