Tributes have been paid to the six people who died in this morning's plane crash at Cork Airport.
President Mary McAleese expressed 'her deep shock and sadness on learning of the loss of life in this morning's aircraft crash'.
The President said 'her thoughts and prayers, and those of all the people of Ireland, are with the families of the deceased and the survivors'.
I am especially conscious of the pain being experienced tonight by all of the bereaved as one of the deceased was Brendan McAleese, my husband Martin's cousin.
His family have lost a fine and loving husband, father, son and brother and their awful grief is replicated in the lives of all those who lost their loved ones in today's crash.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen also expressed his shock and sadness at the news of today's crash.
The Taoiseach said: 'My thoughts are with all of those affected by this morning's crash, including the families and friends of those who have died.
'I also want to send my best wishes and those of the Government, to all of those who survived the crash and are being treated in hospital at present.
'I also want to commend the work of the various rescue crews and all of the emergency and support staff working to help those involved in the crash.'
Mr Cowen is in Cork, visiting both the airport and the hospital. He is expected to be briefed on the situation in both places and to meet some of those involved.
Minister for Transport Pat Carey described this morning's crash as a 'horrific tragedy'.
Mr Carey said he was notified about the crash early this morning and said the emergency plan was activated immediately.
He said the air accident investigation unit's inquiry would get under way immediately.
Mr Carey extended sympathy on his own behalf and on behalf of the Government to the families of the deceased and he said he hoped those injured would return to full health.
The leaders of the political parties have united in expressing their shock.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said it is shattering news and he offered sympathy to the families of those affected. Mr Martin announced that he is cancelling his election canvassing today.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said his prayers and the prayers of the country are with those who had lost their lives.
The Fine Gael morning news conference stood for a minute's silence as a mark of respect to the victims.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said he was saddened by the deaths and called for an ‘comprehensive inquiry’.
Green Party Leader John Gormley has expressed sympathy with the victims of the Cork plane crash.
Mr Gormley said his thoughts were with all the families of the people who had died and he hoped the injured would make as speedy recovery as possible.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said his thoughts are with those affected and he said the crash puts the rest of 'what we are all about' in context.
Green Party Chairman Dan Boyle said the news of the crash has come as a 'dreadful blow to everyone in the Cork area and across the country'.
'Those who are affected by this horrible crash are in our thoughts and prayers.'
Fine Gael Cork South Central candidate Simon Coveney has described the crash as an ‘immense tragedy’.
‘The Irish aviation sector has not seen a tragedy on this scale for a very long time. My heart goes out to all of the families who have been devastated by such a terrible event,’ Mr Coveney said.
‘I want to recognise and thank the emergency services at Cork Airport, and the medical staff who had to deal with difficult and emotional scenes.’
Book of Condolences
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Jim Daly, has confirmed that a Book of Condolences will be opened at County Hall in Cork tomorrow to allow members of the public express their condolences to the families of the victims of today's plane crash at Cork airport.
The Mayor, who accompanied Taoiseach Brian Cowen and the British Ambassador on a visit to some of the survivors of today's tragedy at Cork University Hospital, echoed the gratitude of survivors to all the members of the emergency services in Co Cork who carried out their duties in an exemplary manner.
'Those fortunate to survive the plane crash were extremely anxious to express their appreciation to the emergency services for their very swift action at the accident scene.
'They also heaped fulsome praise on the staff of the A&E Department at Cork University hospital,' confirmed Mayor Daly.
The book of condolences will be opened by Mayor Daly at 8.30am tomorrow and will remain open until 5.00pm for signing by members of the public.
Northern Ministers express their shock
Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have expressed their shock.
Mr Robinson said the Northern Executive would do everything it could logistically to assist families whose loved ones may have been involved in the tragedy.
Mr McGuinness said the crash was a shocking and deeply saddening event.
He said he had considered taking the flight as he was due to campaign for Sinn Féin in the Cork area.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Owen Paterson has said the UK Ambassador in Dublin is on his way to Cork and would be working closely with the Irish authorities.
The Northern Ireland Executive said: ‘We are deeply saddened at the tragic events of this morning.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the families and loved ones of the deceased whose lives have been shattered by this accident.
‘Our thoughts this afternoon are also with the injured and we pray they make a speedy recovery from this terrible ordeal.
‘The Executive has been working closely throughout the day with all the relevant authorities including the Irish Government and will continue to offer whatever assistance is needed.’
Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has expressed his shock and sympathy following this morning's air crash in Cork.
‘I was shocked and saddened to hear of this morning's air accident in Cork and would express my sorrow and sympathy to the families and friends of all those who have died,’ Dr Hamilton said.
‘My prayers and those of the whole Presbyterian Community are with them at this tragic time.
‘My thoughts are also with those who have been injured and assure them of our prayers for their recovery.’
President of the Cork Chamber of Commerce Gerry O'Mahony said the county's business community is in a state of shock.
Bishop of Cork and Ross John Buckley has sympathised with the families of those killed and injured.
Dr Buckley has been speaking to relatives of some of those killed and injured in the crash.
He has praised the work of both the emergency services and the airport authorities who he said were looking after the relatives in every way possible.
Cork Airport will remain closed until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.
