President Mary McAleese led Irish condemnation of the assassination of Pakistani election candidate Benazir Bhutto today in which at leasst 16 people were killed.
Mrs McAleese expressed her shock and sadness at Ms Bhutto's death, and the other victims of the tragedy.
"On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Ireland, I send my deepest condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan and especially to those members of the Pakistan community here in Ireland," she said.
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was deeply shocked by the attack, and said it was an attack on the democratic process, extending his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
"Mrs Bhutto and her party have been campaigning heavily in the run up to the parliamentary elections due to be held in less that two weeks, an election which will provide all of the people of Pakistan with an opportunity to secure democracy for their country.
"It is my sincere hope that this appalling attack will not prevent the Pakistani people from achieving that objective," he said.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the killing was an "appalling terrorist act".
"In this tense and fragile political environment, it is vital that every effort is made to ensure calm and restraint," Mr Ahern added.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Ms Bhutto was "a charismatic leader currently involved in a legitimate campaign to win the support of the people".
"The consequences of this assassination will be very difficult to quantify," he added.
Labour Party spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Michael D Higgins said the killing was "an outrageous act. He also condemned the killing of four people at an election rally earlier in the day for the former Prime Minister, Nawas Sharif.
"Today's events are a tragic reversal of hope and prospects for the people of Pakistan," Mr Higgins said.