This morning’s bomb attack at the Caw Camp in Derry that killed a civilian has been widely condemned by political leaders in the North.
The joint leaders of Northern Ireland's power-sharing government extended
their sympathy to the dead man’s family.
"We condemn without reservation those responsible for carrying out this explosion which has resulted in the death of a man carrying out his job at the base. "We offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family at this tragic time," First Minister Mr David Trimble and his deputy, Mr Mark Durkan, said in a statement.
"Once again, we have seen how the actions of those opposed to peace bring pain and suffering to an innocent family. Those who placed this device have nothing positive to offer the people of Northern Ireland".
The Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr John Reid, described the attack as "utterly contemptible".
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"It is tragic that another family has been plunged into despair and grief as a result of a savage and cowardly attack," he said. "Those who murdered this man at a volunteer medical centre are determined to bring down the peace process and the Belfast Agreement".
Sinn Féin's Mr Martin McGuinness said the killing was "absolutely and totally wrong". The Stormont Education Minister said: "These attacks, whether by rejectionist loyalists or dissident republicans, are attacks on the peace process and must be condemned in the most forthright and unequivocal terms".
The DUP MP for East Derry, Mr Gregory Campbell claimed British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair could no longer argue the peace process was working.
"Two days ago I was sitting in Downing Street and when we outlined the worsening situation he expressed surprise and almost disbelief," he said. "Now 48 hours later we couldn't have a more tangible evidence that things aren't working. The Government has to stop living the lie".
Senior Ulster Unionist Sir Reg Empey appealed for calm amid fears of loyalist retaliation.
PA