From the General Secretary, Grahame Smith, on behalf of the General Council of the Scottish Trades Union Congress

The murders of two soldiers and a police officer and the wounding of innocent civilians in Northern Ireland have shocked trade unionists in Scotland as it has shocked all those throughout Britain and Ireland.

The actions of these murderers must not be allowed to stall or detract from the great achievements of the peace process over the past 15 years - a process in which trade unions have played a key role.

I congratulate the ICTU and its member unions on having responded so rapidly to the current situation and I am sure that the ICTU will continue to play a major part in ensuring that peace and justice prevails.