Shooting of PSNI officer prompts widespread anger
The fatal shooting of a PSNI officer in Co Armagh last night has sparked condemnation from all political parties, as well as the Irish and British governments.
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, says he learned of the "despicable murder" with deep sadness and disgust.
He says the "callous crime" was an attack on the Irish people and on the peace process.
President Mary McAleese has also extended her sympathies to the family of the dead officer.
The British government's Northern Secretary, Shaun Woodward, says the attackers may have the ability to take away life, but they will never be able to take away the peace process from the people of the North.
Elsewhere, DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson has described the killing as an "evil deed" and says those responsible will not be allowed to drag the North back into the past.
Sinn Féin's Alex Maskey, who sits on the Policing Board, has expressed disgust and anger at what he says was "an awful tragedy".
Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd, who attended the scene of the shooting, said last night that he condemned the attack without hesitation.
He said the killers were trying to destroy power-sharing and would not be allowed to do so.
