AHERN AT GROUND ZERO

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday gave his full support for the US- led war on terrorism after watching a firefighter's body being removed from the ruins of the World Trade Centre.

Mr Ahern said he wished everyone could see Ground Zero for themselves to help them understand why military action was being taken against the Taliban.

Grim-faced, he watched as the remains of the firefighter, covered in an orange bag, was carried out of the rubble.

"From our own experience with terrorists we know they are unlikely to do something like this and then just stop."

Mr Ahern chatted with a number of Irish construction workers, among them Mike Power, from Waterford

Mr Power said: "It's been a tough time for all of us here, so it was nice to have the Taoiseach over to give his support."

Mr Ahern also had a short meeting with New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

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