"For us, she is a symbol of hope, " said Shaheem Ahmed, chief co-ordinator of the Pakistan People's Party in Ireland yesterday.

"We were all gathered here for over ten hours watching her arrival in Pakistan and we were shocked when the bombings occurredf But the majority of people want Bhutto to return to government because she is the only one that can bring all the political parties together and tackle extremism."

Several hundred members of the Pakistani community gathered in Taraq Tandoori restaurant on Clanbrassil Street from 3am on Thursday morning to watch Bhutto's return with free food being given out all night and the following day. Celebrations are set to continue today for Pakistan's "future prime minister".

"For us, Benazir Bhutto's return is incredibly important, " said Ahmed. "Only she can bring back true democracy to our country and we condemn the cowardly attack on her and on all those innocent people. She is the most popular and most intelligent leader in the country and her return is a really big thing."

Posters celebrating Bhutto's return were evident on several Pakistani businesses on Clanbrassil Street yesterday, with sweets and tea being given out to customers. GEO TV, the Pakistani station, has been played constantly for restaurant-goers who are eager to get the latest update on what is happening in their home country.

Seven more people were killed and 15 were injured in a market bomb blast in Baluchistan province yesterday. But Bhutto has pledged to stay in the country to fight the general elections in January and return the Islamic republic to civilian rule.

"No matter what this small minority of terrorists try to do, we are hopeful that Bhutto will return to rule, " said Ahmed.