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3 April 2011
Last updated at 13:19 ET
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, has said someone must have information on the murder of catholic police officer, Ronan Kerr.
Constable Ronan Kerr, 25, was killed after a booby-trap device exploded under his car, outside his home in Omagh, County Tyrone.
Mr Robinson visited the Kerr family on Sunday to express his sympathy.
Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, also condemned the murder, and called on those involved to "stop and stop now".
Speaking from Omagh, Mr Robinson said: "I couldn't help but get the feeling that after this there was someone, either here, or across the border who was pleased with their days work," he said.
"They think they have done something that furthers their cause but if they had spoken to the people that I have spoken to, they would know that this community is solidly standing against them.
"We must give whatever support we can to the police. We are the eyes and ears of the PSNI.
"Anyone that has information, we really do urge them to pass that information on. This community has entered a new era and we will not be dragged back.
"The condemnation of every section of our community falls upon those responsible."
Mr Robinson said he had spoken the Kerr family on Sunday afternoon.
"There was a young girl, who's just a few weeks off her 18th birthday, a young lad who has came back from Australia to be here for Easter and for Mother's Day."
Constable Kerr's identity had been withheld until his brother, Cathair, who was en route from Australia, could be informed.
Although it is believed he found out about Ronan's death via the social networking site, Facebook.
On Sunday, Cathair Kerr, posted a tribute to his brother on the micro-blogging website Twitter .
It read: "Ronan Kerr - Rest in Peace my beloved brother. The best brother anyone could wish for. I hope dad is there to meet you at heaven's gates
."
Mr Robinson said the Kerr family were devastated at the loss of Ronan.
"It is not a time for words in a household like that," he said.
"But we can let then know just by standing by them and with our love and support we are with them and we understand as best anyone can who has not gone through it themselves."
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Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams says 'it's a futile attempt' to derail the peace process
A minute's silence was held in Constable Kerr's memory at a Tyrone GAA match on Sunday.
The young police officer was a Tyrone fan and GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) member.
Mickey Harte, manager of the Tyrone team, said the murder was a "totally despicable act".
Mr Harte's daughter Michaela McAreavey was murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius earlier this year.
"I know well what that's like at the moment in different circumstances, so I'm really really sorry for the family and my prayers and thoughts are with them," he said.
"It's a family broken unnecessarily, for no purpose that's going to do the human race any good. I wish to God people would realise that life is so precious and look after it better than that."
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which has been blamed on dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.
On Sunday, Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, rejected those responsible for the murder.
He said: "It was a futile attempt to destroy the progress that has been made, which has the overwhelming support of the people of this island."
In his press conference on Sunday, Mr Adams said the political response must go beyond condemnation.
"It is imperative that everyone make clear their opposition to the murder of Constable Kerr. Every citizen must defend the process."
"This action and those responsible for it must be totally rejected. I am calling upon those involved to stop and to stop now."
Mr Adams also said young republicans and nationalists should continue to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
He also said Sinn Fein would go ahead with their election launch on Monday because dissidents cannot be allowed to dictate the agenda.
Earlier on Sunday, Northern Ireland Chief Constable, Matt Baggott, said the attack was carried out by a "potent and dangerous minority".
Chief Constable Baggott said they needed to speak to residents in the Highfield area of Omagh, where the bomb exploded.
"We need to know what they saw and what they heard over the past few days."
Constable Kerr was the second policeman to be killed since the Police Service of Northern Ireland was formed out of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 2001.
Constable Kerr joined the police in May 2010, and had been working in the community since December. Prayers were said for him at vigil masses throughout Omagh on Saturday night.
Since 2007, dissident republicans have planted several booby-trap bombs under the private cars of police officers.
Most bombs have failed to detonate, but in January 2010 Constable Peadar Heffron, 33, was injured when a bomb exploded under his car. He later lost his leg. Dissident republicans had been blamed for the attack
In March 2009, a police officer was shot dead as he answered a distress call in Craigavon, County Armagh.
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Constable Ronan Kerr, 25, was killed after a booby-trap device exploded under his car, outside his home in Omagh, County Tyrone.
Mr Robinson visited the Kerr family on Sunday to express his sympathy.
Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, also condemned the murder, and called on those involved to "stop and stop now".
Speaking from Omagh, Mr Robinson said: "I couldn't help but get the feeling that after this there was someone, either here, or across the border who was pleased with their days work," he said.
"They think they have done something that furthers their cause but if they had spoken to the people that I have spoken to, they would know that this community is solidly standing against them.
"We must give whatever support we can to the police. We are the eyes and ears of the PSNI.
"Anyone that has information, we really do urge them to pass that information on. This community has entered a new era and we will not be dragged back.
"The condemnation of every section of our community falls upon those responsible."
Mr Robinson said he had spoken the Kerr family on Sunday afternoon.
"There was a young girl, who's just a few weeks off her 18th birthday, a young lad who has came back from Australia to be here for Easter and for Mother's Day."
Constable Kerr's identity had been withheld until his brother, Cathair, who was en route from Australia, could be informed.
Although it is believed he found out about Ronan's death via the social networking site, Facebook.
On Sunday, Cathair Kerr, posted a tribute to his brother on the micro-blogging website Twitter .
It read: "Ronan Kerr - Rest in Peace my beloved brother. The best brother anyone could wish for. I hope dad is there to meet you at heaven's gates
."Mr Robinson said the Kerr family were devastated at the loss of Ronan.
"It is not a time for words in a household like that," he said.
"But we can let then know just by standing by them and with our love and support we are with them and we understand as best anyone can who has not gone through it themselves."
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams says 'it's a futile attempt' to derail the peace process
A minute's silence was held in Constable Kerr's memory at a Tyrone GAA match on Sunday.
The young police officer was a Tyrone fan and GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) member.
Mickey Harte, manager of the Tyrone team, said the murder was a "totally despicable act".
Mr Harte's daughter Michaela McAreavey was murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius earlier this year.
"I know well what that's like at the moment in different circumstances, so I'm really really sorry for the family and my prayers and thoughts are with them," he said.
"It's a family broken unnecessarily, for no purpose that's going to do the human race any good. I wish to God people would realise that life is so precious and look after it better than that."
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which has been blamed on dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.
On Sunday, Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, rejected those responsible for the murder.
He said: "It was a futile attempt to destroy the progress that has been made, which has the overwhelming support of the people of this island."
In his press conference on Sunday, Mr Adams said the political response must go beyond condemnation.
"It is imperative that everyone make clear their opposition to the murder of Constable Kerr. Every citizen must defend the process."
"This action and those responsible for it must be totally rejected. I am calling upon those involved to stop and to stop now."
Mr Adams also said young republicans and nationalists should continue to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
He also said Sinn Fein would go ahead with their election launch on Monday because dissidents cannot be allowed to dictate the agenda.
Earlier on Sunday, Northern Ireland Chief Constable, Matt Baggott, said the attack was carried out by a "potent and dangerous minority".
Chief Constable Baggott said they needed to speak to residents in the Highfield area of Omagh, where the bomb exploded.
"We need to know what they saw and what they heard over the past few days."
Constable Kerr was the second policeman to be killed since the Police Service of Northern Ireland was formed out of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 2001.
Constable Kerr joined the police in May 2010, and had been working in the community since December. Prayers were said for him at vigil masses throughout Omagh on Saturday night.
Since 2007, dissident republicans have planted several booby-trap bombs under the private cars of police officers.
Most bombs have failed to detonate, but in January 2010 Constable Peadar Heffron, 33, was injured when a bomb exploded under his car. He later lost his leg. Dissident republicans had been blamed for the attack
In March 2009, a police officer was shot dead as he answered a distress call in Craigavon, County Armagh.
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