THE explosions at the British army headquarters in Lisburn provoked an outraged reaction in Dublin political circles. The widespread condemnation was accompanied by calls for loyalist restraint.
Speaking last night at Government Buildings, the Taoiseach said the Government utterly condemned the "barbarous" bomb attack, which had resulted in multiple casualties.
The bombs were deliberately designed to provoke but would not achieve their "appalling and calculated objective", Mr Bruton said.
The Government extended its "deep and heartfelt sympathies" to those who were injured or suffering from shock, he said.
It was now very important that those who had maintained restraint should continue to do so. Reiterating the Government's "absolute determination" to continue with the peace process, the Taoiseach said the multi party talks in Belfast represented the only viable way forward.
Political discourse had to be pursued and "this violent expression is something that has no future, leads nowhere, and represents a reversion to the past that we have no wish to return to".
Describing the attack as a very serious" development, Mr Bruton added that its location demonstrated that it was designed to provoke. However, despite other provocations, loyalists had shown good sense and restraint and he hoped that they would "stick by the political path".
The Government statement also urged all those committed to genuine peace and a negotiated settlement to "resist attempts to plunge Northern Ireland back into an appalling cycle of violence".
The Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, said he deeply regretted the "shocking news that bombs have been exploded in Lisburn".
"The people of Ireland are crying out for peace and this return to violence is totally against their wishes. The only successful way forward for us on this island is the path of democratic dialogue in substantive all party talks", he said.
There was no alternative to the democratic way and this return to violence was a step back "into the horrible past".
Condemning the bombing, Ms Mary Harney, leader of the Progressive Democrats, said the attack was extremely ominous and could mark the total collapse of the peace process. Calling for calm in the wake of the bombs, she said there should be no reprisals.
Appealing to the democratic politicians in Northern Ireland to seize the initiative back from the paramilitaries she said the onus was on all parties to salvage the peace process, "even at this late stage".