First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson MP, MLA has extended his sympathy to the family of soldier from 1 Royal Irish who was killed in Afghanistan.
The soldier is the first member of the regiment killed in the country on this current tour of duty.
Mr Robinson said: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of this death. We owe a great debt of gratitude to him and the young people who are fighting to build peace and stability in Afghanistan and protect us from the threat of international terrorism.
“The people of Northern Ireland will be deeply saddened to hear of his death and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to his family and his colleagues who continue to fight in Afghanistan.”
