As events unfolded yesterday I found myself thinking back to the Dunblane massacre and Hungerford and first wondering if the subsequent tightening of gun control legislation after each of those events had really made any difference.

Then of course you realise that no legislation can ever be 100% effective, even a complete ban on all guns would not stop people getting hold of them and potentially running amok.

Of course what is crucial is that a through police investigation is carried out and then once all the facts are known lawmakers can decide if the gun control legislation needs to be tightened or restricted further.

Needless to say your Government can legislate all they like to control guns, what can’t be controlled is the state of the human mind – with all its frailties and potential for malfunction in an ever stressful and difficult society.

The horror of yesterdays shootings must be acted upon rationally and with all due diligence. And I trust the Government will see through their promise yesterday to ensure victims families and all affected get the support they need over the coming weeks and months to ensure that they and their community recovers and can come to terms with these tragic events.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to all who have lost a loved one.