Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams paying tribute to Garda Tony Golden in Belfast told of how he recently had to call to one of the party's Assembly members, Caitriona Ruane, to warn her of a threat from dissident republicans.
Offering his sympathy to Garda Golden’s family and the woman injured in the shooting he explained that Ms Ruane was recently under threat from dissident republicans. Although a South Down MLA, Ms Ruane lives in the Cooley area. Mr Adams recounted how Garda Golden with other officers called to her “house to help her and to support her”.
“Our thoughts are with his family, with the wider Garda family and with the people of the Cooley peninsula,” said Mr Adams who was at Stormont on Monday for the continuing political talks.
Ms Ruane explained that she had faced both dissident and loyalist threats and that Garda Golden in his dealings with her “was very professional and very friendly, and willing to call at any time”.
"We used to joke that as we were both from Mayo we were both in exile in Louth, " she added.
“He was very much involved in community alert in Omeath. It wasn’t just about ticking the box, he was really interested in it. It does not surprise me that he was the one who was at the door of the young woman in deep distress trying to assist here,” she said.
‘Deepest sympathy’
DUP leader Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness expressed their "great sadness" at the death of Garda Golden and offered "deepest sympathy" to his wife and three children.
"Garda Golden was murdered going about his daily work protecting people and serving the entire community. Undoubtedly this is a sad and difficult time for his colleagues and friends in An Garda Síochána, " they said in a joint statement.
“Garda Golden’s entire family are foremost in our minds following these tragic events. We will remember them and all those impacted by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers. We also wish the woman seriously injured in the shooting a full and speedy recovery after this traumatic event,” they added.
The Sinn Féin leader who was at Stormont for the political talks on Monday also offered his sympathy to the Golden family
Alliance Minister for Justice David Ford also offered his condolences. "I was shocked to hear of the terrible incident in which Garda Officer Anthony Golden was robbed of his life and a woman has been left seriously injured. Events like these are a stark reminder of the vital role police officers play in seeking to keep our communities safe," he said.