The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, has said he is horrified and deeply saddened by the continuation of sectarian killings in Northern Ireland.
Last evening's cold-blooded murder, which he strongly condemned, added yet another personal tragedy to an already grim toll of death and bereavement. His sympathies went out to the victim's family and friends.
"I hope that those responsible for these murderous attacks against defenceless victims will come to recognise the vile futility of their deeds. They must not be allowed to destroy the high hopes invested in the peace process," Mr Andrews said.
The Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, warned that if the spate of killings did not end now, the multi-party talks and the entire peace process would be jeopardised. Progress would only be achieved through dialogue and discussion.
He also urged extremists on both sides of the conflict to resist the temptation to resort to violence and murder. This latest killing would simply cause further pain and distress to an already fragile community, Mr Quinn said.
The leader of Democratic Left, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, has condemned last night's murder in Belfast.
With eight murders since Christmas, it was now clear that there were groups at work which were determined to plunge Northern Ireland back over the sectarian precipice.
"At this critical time", he added, "the need is for calm words and courageous leadership. Inflammatory or alarmist statements will only contribute further to a climate of fear and uncertainty."