THE PRESIDENT, Mrs Robinson, described the murder of Det Garda Jerry McCabe as "really very sad news" and sent messages of condolences to his family as she concluded her historic four day official visit to Britain, Rachel Borrill reports.
Speaking to Irish journalists in York, Mrs Robinson said that the murder was a "terrible tragedy" for Mr McCabe's family.
"I know that he has a son in the force, so the family had a great commitment to the gardai. To his family, his friends and colleagues I send my deepest sympathy.
"I am also aware that it is a particular tragedy when somebody in the course of their duty is killed in such a terrible way. I am sorry that it does bring a shadow of sorrow on what has been a very happy visit", she said.
She also sent her sympathy to the family of the garda who was injured in the attack.