THE shock and outrage felt at the terrorist bomb attacks in Madrid will be long-lived.

But as the demonstrations across Spain showed last night, there are already signs of defiance in the face of the constant threat posed by terrorists.

The only way to combat terrorism is to confront it. While we must be vigilant and ever mindful of the threat posed by terrorism, there must be no compromise or change in how we go about our everyday lives.

To refrain from travelling and to steer clear of potential terrorist targets will be signs of weakness which will only serve to encourage terrorists.

The only way to beat the evil in our midst is to demonstrate clearly that we will not be intimidated, and that there can be no victory for the bombers.

The dignified show of strength and solidarity on the streets on Spain last night is the most appropriate response to Thursday's atrocity.