Irish public, cartoonists and politicians pour out sympathy for France after murder of 12 at Paris satirical magazine.RTE

People gathered at the Spire, on O’Connell Street, in Dublin, on Wednesday to hold a silent vigil in solidarity with the victims of the attack on the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, in Paris, where ten journalists and two police officers were killed.

Across the world at vigils and on social media people proclaimed “Je Suis Charlie” (“I am Charlie”) in reaction to the killings believed to be in the name of Islam. In Paris over 100,000 gathered, while across France, the rest of Europe, South and North America, and beyond similar vigils were held.

In Dublin dozens gathered to light candles, leave flowers and hold aloft their posters reading “Je suis Charlie.” Among them were French natives living in Ireland.

Irish cartoonists also sprang into action yesterday creating satirical cartoons in reaction to the execution of the Parisian journalists: Reacting to the murders President Michael D Higgins said "I am deeply saddened to learn of the shootings in Paris earlier today.

"I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the families of all those bereaved and affected by today's tragedy, including the two police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

"All of our thoughts are with the people of France who have experienced such a dreadful and brutal tragedy and such an unjustifiable loss of innocent life."

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda said "I am shocked and appalled by the brutal and horrific killings which occurred earlier today in Paris at the offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine.

"Our thoughts are above all with the victims and their families, but also with the people of Paris and of France.

"The murder of journalists and writers at their place of work is a direct attack on the basic values of freedom of speech and of tolerance.

"That this should have happened in a city and a country which for centuries have been leaders in the international struggle for human rights is a particular outrage.

"On behalf of the Irish Government, I offer our total solidarity and support to our French colleagues and friends as they work to capture the perpetrators and bring them to justice."