Statement from An Tánaiste and Fine Gael TD, Simon Coveney, on the death of Joan Lawrie

The Tánaiste and Fine Gael TD, Simon Coveney, wishes to convey the deepest sympathy of the entire Fine Gael organisation at the passing of Joan Lawrie.

Simon Coveney said, “Joan Lawrie was a mother who raised a beautiful family. They were her world and last April that world was turned upside down with the brutal murder of Joan’s daughter, Lyra McKee.

“I met Joan alongside President Higgins, the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister in the side chapel of St Anne’s Cathedral and she told us all she had “lost her baby”.

“It is a moment I will never forget. All of our hearts broke for an innocent young woman and her innocent mother and family.”

The Tánaiste and the entire Fine Gael organisation once again calls on anyone with information on the murder of Lyra McKee to cooperate with the PSNI.

Simon Coveney concluded, “I have gotten to know Joan’s daughter Nicola in the last year and I would like to send my condolences to her and the entire family at the passing of Joan.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal.

ENDS