A teddy bear and a candle of peace for the IRA's tiny victim

It was only a teddy bear. The sort of gift baby Sam Hughes will receive many times before he grows out of such childish toys.

But he is no ordinary baby, and Mary Robinson is no kindly aunt.

Sam's picture was flashed around the world after he was hit by flying glass when the IRA detonated a 3,000lb van bomb in Manchester, injuring 200 people and causing pounds 250 million of damage.

Yesterday the Irish president came to Manchester.

To stroke Sam's hand and give him his teddy bear, to pledge her friendship and support to the city and its people, and to issue a devastating condemnation of the evil countrymen who could perpetrate such a deed.

"It was an attack on a civilian population," she said. "That is not in the name of any Irishness I represent as the president of Ireland.""

Mrs Robinson was on a state visit to the US three weeks ago when she heard of the bombing. "My first reaction was to come back to Manchester at the earliest opportunity," she said.

"I wanted to support the city because of its vitality and determination.

"I come in solidarity, friendship and admiration. I have a great admiration of this city, its resilience and its spirit.

"I am glad on behalf of the people of Ireland to be with you as you move forward, as you have even this morning in re-opening part of the shopping centre.

"The Irish are a significant part of Manchester's culture and I think the links between the communities will grow stronger because of what has happened.

"The city has gained great respect, admiration and affection in the hearts of Irish people.

"I am glad to be here to express that."

Sam's mum Lisa, 28, from Worsley, was shopping with her baby in the city when the bomb exploded. And their picture was dramatically portrayed on our front page.

Yesterday the seven-month-old tot had fully recovered from his injuries as proud Lisa greeted the President at Manchester Town Hall.

She said: "It was a terrifying experience but Sam now seems to be over it, although his hand is still scarred.""

Mrs Robinson also met civic leaders and rescue workers who evacuated almost 80,000 people from the city centre.

Yesterday she saw thousands queue to get into the Arndale Centre as 60 stores re-opened for the first time.

A further 300 will remain closed for some weeks as rebuilding work continues.

Before she left Mrs Robinson lit a candle of peace in the city's cathedral, itself damaged by the bomb.

In 20 years' time, when Sam is an adult, that candle will long have burned away - but perhaps he'll still have the teddy bear.

And the memories of a woman who came in peace.

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