Trade unions and business leaders North and South have voiced horror at the bombing. The chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr John Stringer, described the killings as a determined attempt to plunge the two communities into conflict and called for no retaliation on the part of loyalist paramilitaries.
"What has happened today flies in the face of the democratic wish of the people of Ireland, both North and South, and to fall into the trap of retaliation will simply escalate an already tragic situation.
"This act of barbarity must not be allowed to rob us of the future which was so hard won through negotiation. Rather it should make us more determined to achieve it," said Mr Stringer.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions also condemned those who carried out the bombing.
The acting Northern Ireland Officer of the ICTU, Mr Tom Gillen, offered sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of the dead and injured.
"At a time when we have all been looking to the future it is clear that there are those who are intent on keeping us in the mire of sectarianism and terror," he said.
The Belfast and District Trades Union Council described the bombing as "fascist" and called upon people throughout the island to reject completely any group or faction promoting violence. The council warned against politicians who may use the bombing as an excuse to rewrite the Belfast Agreement.
"The way forward for peace and tolerance in Northern Ireland remains the Agreement, endorsed in referendum by the people. It's now time for community courage, continuing the road of political stability and reconciliation," said Mr Desi Murray, the council secretary.