The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Brian Cowen has described the formal end of the UDA and LVF ceasefire as a serious setback for Northern Ireland.
Mr Cowen was responding to the decision taken this evening by the Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid to declare an end to the ceasefires for the loyalist paramilitary groups, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF).
"Today’s announcement marks a serious setback to our combined efforts to bring about a new beginning for all the people of Northern Ireland, one free from violence and fear. However, it should concentrate attention within these organisations on the absolute need to end all violent activity," Mr Cowen said.
Meanwhile Labour Party leader Mr Ruairi Quinn, described the decision as inevitable.
"I am disappointed, but hardly surprised. Over the past 12 months there has been a constant escalation in loyalist violence and all evidence pointed to senior elements in the UDA being centrally involved. Dr Reid's decision was right."
Mr Quinn said the UDA and the LVF had turned their back on the peace process and called on all other parties to the Belfast Agreement redouble their efforts to make the institutions work.
Sinn Fein Assembly Member Mr Gerry Kelly said it was now vital that unionist politicians, church and community leaders speak out against the loyalist paramilitaries.
"It is my hope that this decision will create the space for those within the wider unionist community to make their voices heard and use their influence to bring an end to this sectarian campaign."
Ms Brid Rodgers, the SDLP agriculture minister in the Executive, called for those behind the recent violence to be put back in jail.
"If confidence is to be maintained in the peace process, people must know that those who flaunt the very principles on which the process is built can expect to pay a price," she said.
But hardline UUP MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson expressed fears that the move could lead to more trouble on the streets.
"This is a very serious development. I would urge the UDA and LVF to take steps to end the violence, but I'm very worried about what may happen in the next few days," he said.
Mr John White, chairman of the Ulster Democratic Party, the UDA's political wing, also expressed fear that the announcement could trigger violence by rank and file members of the organisations.
"I am disappointed. It will not be helpful and will send a signal to the vast majority of UDA people who supported the peace process that their contribution is no longer recognised.
"That might give them a licence to go out and do things they normally would not have done because of the restraints placed on them by that ceasefire."
Both Mr White and Mr Donaldson criticised Dr Reid for not declaring the IRA ceasefire over also.
"The IRA have engaged in numerous breaches of ceasefire, including murders, and yet the Secretary of State has not moved against them," Mr Donaldson said.
PA