Taoiseach describes Stardust fire as 'one of the darkest moments in our history' as verdicts delivered

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described the Stardust fire as “one of the darkest moments in our history” as he told the victims' families that “our country owes you a great debt”.

President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to those who lost their lives, as he also praised survivors and families on a day of “vindication and of honour”.

A jury delivered unlawful killing verdicts in each of the 48 deaths at the Dublin District Coroner's Court.

READ MORE: Stardust inquests LIVE updates as jury delivers verdict of unlawful killing over Dublin nightclub fire

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Harris praised the families’ relentless pursuit of “truth and accountability”.

The Taoiseach said: “The Stardust tragedy was one of the darkest moments in our history, a heart-breaking tragedy because of the lives that were lost, the families that were changed forever, and the long, drawn-out struggle for justice that followed.

File photo dated 14/2/1981 of damage at Stardust Disco
(Image: PA Wire)

“Their relentless pursuit of truth and accountability, their profound commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming challenges and setbacks, was not only a fight for their loved ones but a campaign to ensure that such a disaster never happens again.

“Their courageous campaign demands our respect and our support. They never stopped searching for answers, for justice, and for some form of peace.”

Mr Harris also said the Government will “consider this verdict in full and the recommendations of the jury”.

He added: “48 young people never came home that night, but as Taoiseach, I want to say this to their families; You never gave up on justice for them, you never let Ireland forget about them. They were never alone, and our country owes you a great debt for that.”

President Higgins said that while the verdicts would not bring their loved ones back, it was “of the deepest importance for all those whose lives were so irreparably altered by that most appalling of days”.

He said their “terrible grief” was made worse by “questions left unanswered”.

“The Inquests, which it must be remembered have only taken place due to endurance and tenacity in the insistence of their families never to give up and to have a conclusion as to fact, have provided for dignity and recognition, however late, being accorded to the lives of each of those 48 young people,” he said.

DUBLIN, IRELAND: June 19: Michael D. Higgins the President of Ireland during team presentations before the Republic of Ireland V Gibraltar, 2024 European Championship Qualifying, Group B match at Aviva Stadium on June 19, 2023, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

“Today’s findings have at last brought a conclusion as to the circumstances of their death: to the cause of the fire, to the factors which contributed to its spread, to the factors which impeded those who died in their ability to escape and to access and exit through emergency exits, by its ultimate verdict of unlawful killing.

“I am very conscious that today will be a day of the deepest emotions for the loved ones of those who died. A day of vindication and of honour, but also a day of the deepest sadness and regret. I think in particular of those whose passing means this conclusion comes too late for them.”

Justice Minister Helen McEntee, meanwhile, said it was a “landmark day which I hope has brought answers, and some comfort” to the families.

“All those affected have endured so much, and while I know the pain of such loss and suffering never fades,” she said.

“The Stardust fire was a national tragedy that has left a particular legacy of pain for the country and most particularly for the people of North Dublin.

“I sympathise greatly with the families of the 48 young people tragically killed in the fire for the terrible loss they suffered. I also recognise the lasting impact on everyone who attended that night and their families. I know so many of you today will be thinking of your parents and other relatives who never got over their terrible loss.”

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said “the verdict of unlawful killing confirms what survivors, victims' families and Dubliners have always known”.