LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer has told of how Donegal is a "special place" for him and his family as he paid tribute to the victims of the Cresslough tragedy.
Speaking in the House of Commons today during Prime Minister Questions, Sir Keir said: "I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in Creeslough last week. Donegal is a special place to me and my family and across this house. The people there are in all of our thoughts."
The former barrister, who married his wife Victoria in 2007, toured Ireland as part of his honeymoon.
Last year he told The Irish News that he even purchased a Donegal jersey after visiting the county and falling "in love with the place".
Mr Starmer's comments about Creeslough came as two more funerals of victims of Friday's tragedy took place.
Ten people, including a five-year-old girl, lost their lives as a result of an explosion at an Applegreen filling station in the village.
Three of the victims were laid to rest today including James O'Flaherty, a 48-year-old father-of-one, who was originally from Sydney, Australia.
A joint funeral also took place for 39-year-old Catherine O'Donnell and her 13-year-old son, James Monaghan.
Further funerals are due to take place tomorrow.
