The President, Mrs McAleese, has expressed shock at the death of Det Sgt John Eiffe in Abbeyleix yesterday. She conveyed her sympathies to the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, and asked him to extend her condolences to the dead man's family.
She said: "This tragedy brings home to all of us the important and often dangerous work undertaken by the Garda S∅ochβna on behalf of the wider community."
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said he wanted "to offer my sympathy and that of the Government to the wife and family of the brave detective who was killed in the line of duty in Abbeyleix.
"It is unfortunately a reminder of the very real danger that members of the Garda S∅ochβna regularly face in attempting to safeguard the community from the activities of criminals."
The Tβnaiste, Ms Harney, said she was shocked and saddened to hear of Det Sgt Eiffe's death. It served as "a chilling reminder to us all that the men and women of the Garda undertake to put their lives on the line every time they put on a uniform or come on duty".
Her hopes and prayers were with his wife and family, she said.
The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, said he had learned of the death "with great sadness and shock." He offered condolences to the widow and her children, as well to the Garda Commissioner and the force in general.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Noonan, offered his deepest sympathy to Det Sgt Eiffe's wife and family. He also offered his condolences to the Garda Commissioner "and all members of the Garda S∅ochβna who serve the country so well."
Mr Brendan Howlin, Labour Party spokesman on Justice, extended sympathy to the family and colleagues of the dead garda.