A SERIES of major articles was being researched by Veronica Guerin at the time of her death, according to the editor of the Sunday Independent, Mr Aengus Fanning.
He said there were several "big projects" which she hoped to have published in the coming weeks dealing with Dublin criminals involved in crime and drugs.
"Veronica was working on a couple of major projects along the lines. Her investigations into criminal underworld were on going," Mr Fanning said.
I have already spoken to the management at the newspaper about what she was working on at the time of her death and they are expected to make further, more detailed inquiries today.
Mr Fanning, who was in London at the time of the shooting, said the employees of Independent Newspapers were devastated" by her death.
"All her colleagues are distraught at Veronica's death. The chairman and staff of Independent Newspapers want to give their sympathy to Graham, Cathal and the rest of Veronica's family. We just want to say how truly sorry we are. Veronica was literally irreplaceable," Mr Fanning said.
He said Irish journalists had a duty not to be intimidated by this attack and to "pursue the work as best we can".
He added: "Veronica's death will reinvigorate and reinspire Irish journalists."
He explained that Ms Guerin kept in touch with the Sunday Independent in Middle Abbey Street by telephone, and regularly called in to the newsroom. She wrote her copy from a computer at home and transmitted it by modem. "She was always on the road. The pavement was her office really. In 30 years in newspapers I have never encountered a journalist of Veronica's bravery and dedication."
He said that comprehensive security measures had been put in place at her home by the Sunday Independent after she was shot in the thigh at the door of her house in January 1995. But she would not agree to any further personal safety measures.
"She insisted that she have her freedom. She wanted to do her work in a free society. This was the ultimate attack on a free press and on, freedom of speech."
Following the shooting at her home, Ms Guerin had police protection but she insisted after a short period that it was impossible for her to carry out her work while she was accompanied by gardai.
The murder of Veronica Guerin is a direct attack on democracy in Ireland, according to the chairman of Independent Newspapers, Dr Tony O'Reilly. In a statement yesterday he said: "The people who assassinated Veronica are trying to murder the freedom to investigate and report the truth, about our society."
He said he wanted to express his profound shock and outrage at the murder. "Our hearts go out to her husband, Graham, and young son and family." And he described her as a fearless and outstanding reporter. "She had immense courage and an abiding concern for the improvement of Irish society."
Last night Mr Ben Bradlee, former editor of the Washington Post, who is a director of Independent Newspapers, expressed his sorrow at Ms Guerin's murder. "Those people from around the world who believe in the courageous expression of the rights of a free press will be outraged and saddened beyond belief by the murder of Veronica Guerin," Mr Bradlee said.