Sinead O’Connor has issued a fierce condemnation of the Irish government following the death of her 17-year-old son.
Officers in Ireland recovered Shane O’Connor’s body in the Bray area of Wicklow on Friday following a huge police search.
The 55-year-old singer took to Twitter to announce the tragic news on Saturday morning.
In a moving statement, she wrote: “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.
“May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.”
In a new series of tweets posted on the evening of January 8, O’Connor said she will “never” forgive the Irish state.
She tweeted: “I have now formally identified the remains of my son, Shane. May God forgive the Irish State for I never will."
She also criticised child and family agency Tusla and Tallaght Hospital, which is where her son went missing from on Tuesday.
“26 hours after my son died in the so called care of the Irish State in the form of Tusla, I have yet to receive any contact from Tusla or their representatives. I was informed by Gardai of my son’s death and later I spoke with the GAL. No contact from Tusla is unacceptable,” she wrote.
She added: “Tusla and HSE to release dishonest ass covering statement in response to international questioning. A load of lies, refusals to accept responsibility.
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"Couched as always in the omnipotent and false concern they claim to have for the privacy of the children who die on their watch."
Following news of the death, social media users made a string of posts in tribute to the teenager.
Shane MacGowan, the lead singer of the Irish band The Pogues, shared a message of support to his fellow singer on Twitter, describing her son as a “beautiful boy”.
He wrote: “Sinead you have always been there for me and for so many people, you have been a comfort & a soul who is not afraid to feel the pain of the suffering.
“You have always tried to heal & help.
“I pray that you can be comforted & find strength, healing & peace in your own sorrow & loss.
“He was a beautiful boy and I loved him. I pray that he can be at peace and also be able to stay connected with you. Love Shane.”
The Standard has contacted Tusla and Tallaght Hospital for comment.