The Taoiseach has said that any military response to the atrocities in the United States must not be "merciless" or "indiscriminate". Bertie Ahern told a special session of the Dáil that such action must be measured and must enhance the stature of those who carry it out in the eyes of the world.
Mr Ahern was speaking during a special session of the Dáil, which has reconvened to allow the party leaders to make statements on the terrorist attacks on the US last week.
Describing what happened as "a defining moment in history," the Taoiseach said that the whole human family had been engulfed by a sense of disbelief. Mr Ahern warned that the number of Irish fatalities was likely to rise.
Mr Ahern said there could be no excuses for last week's outrage. He noted that Ireland had suffered more than many countries at the hands of terrorism, and pledged that this country would play a full part in efforts to eradicate it.
The Taoiseach also paid tribute to the spirit of Irish people in observing last week's day of mourning.
The Fine Gael leader said that the Government could be assured of his party's full support as it seeks to bring the instruments of the United Nations into play. Michael Noonan said that the battle against international terrorism must be fought internationally, but warned that the underlying causes of terrorism must be dealt with. He said that he sincerely hoped it would not be a conflict between the West and Islam.
Speaking in the context of the US atrocities, he sent a strong message to Sinn Féin and the IRA. Mr Noonan called for arms and explosives to be put beyond use, and said that Republicans should end violence and the threat of violence.
The leader of the Progressive Democrats said that Ireland must understand US anger. The Tánaiste recalled the revulsion and anger felt in Ireland following the bombings in Omagh, Enniskillen and elsewhere. Mary Harney added that anger has a place, but we must also respect and applaud the restraint shown by the US.
