NORTHERN Ireland's political parties yesterday suspended campaigning for the Westminster election in the aftermath of the Manchester bomb atrocity.
Tonight's televised leader's debate on UTV has also been postponed as a mark of respect to the dead and injured.
The SDLP was scheduled to launch its election manifesto yesterday morning but cancelled the event as the scale of the attack became apparent.
The Ulster Unionist Party has also postponed tomorrow's planned manifesto launch.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the suicide bombing was "an attack on innocence and on happiness".
"I say to all those who were unfortunately and tragically killed, injured and their families, that we as a nation hold them very closely in our hearts," he said.
DUP leader Arlene Foster branded the Manchester attack "indiscriminate and barbaric" and called for people to unite in condemnation of the atrocity.
"As has happened so often before, our emergency services responded swiftly and professionally without regard for their own safety to help those in need – I pay tribute to them and to those who are already working to identify anyone involved in this attack and bring them to justice," she said.
"Whilst terrorists can bring pain and grief, the kindness and generosity displayed by the people of Manchester has already shown that they will not win."
Sinn Féin northern leader, Michelle O'Neill said the bombing was "horrific".
"For something like that to happen while young people are out enjoying themselves is unthinkable," she said.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said people in Ireland understood Manchester's loss.
"We stand with the people of Manchester today, unbroken, unbowed and resolutely determined to defeat those responsible," he said.
"This was a heartbreaking act of barbarism."
Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said the attackers would not succeed.
"We stand united with the people of Manchester to face down the terrorists who carried out this cowardly act," he said.
"As a parent, I can only imagine the hurt and pain which the parents of the children killed and injured are going through."
Alliance leader Naomi Long said those behind the attack could not be allowed to win.
"They try to threaten our very way of life but, in doing so, inspire people to show the best of humanity by presenting generosity and compassion," she said.
"That is proof good will triumph over evil."
Fiann Fáil leader Micheal Martin described the attack as "cowardly" and "simply abhorrent".
"As a parent, I find this attack exceptionally difficult to comprehend, and while details are limited at present, it’s clear that whoever orchestrated this attack cares little for basic decency and humanity," he said.
