"I am deeply saddened by the appalling death of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"He was a strong and committed democrat, and it is especially shocking that he was murdered while engaged in that most democratic of activities, campaigning ahead of an election.

"Putting your arguments before an electorate and asking for their vote is at the very heart of what we believe in as democratic politicians. The attack on former-PM Abe is therefore an attack on democracy itself. It is all the more shocking that it happened in a peace-loving country like Japan.

"My most heartfelt and sincere sympathies are with the people of Japan, whom PM Abe served with such commitment and distinction; with Prime Minister Kishida and his colleagues across Government; and especially with Mr. Abe’s family.

"On this very sad occasion, on behalf of the government and people of Ireland, I extend our most profound condolences and solidarity."