Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and SDLP leader Mark Durkan made their comments after the RIRA claimed responsibility for shooting Constable Jim Doherty (43) in Londonderry last week.

Using a recognised code word the dissident group told a Derry newspaper that two members carried out the "gun attack on a member of the British Crown forces" and added "he might not be so lucky the next time" .

But Mr McGuinness said: "My response is crystal clear; as far as the vast majority of the community is concerned the war is well and truly over. It is time you - a totally unrepresentative group - woke up to that reality. In the real world you have no popular support, no strategy to achieve a united Ireland.

"We who stood against the injustices and the military forces which imposed those injustices have one clear message. We will not be intimidated."

Mr Durkan said that the RIRA were "out of touch and out of line with the wishes of the Irish people".

He said: "They have no mandate, no legitimacy and no right to brand any public servant or member of the public as a legitimate target. It is clear they aren't just attacking and threatening police officers, but also trying to intimidate the public.

He added that while the statement is "sadly predictable" its gloating nature must be a shock to the officer and his family and proves the dissidents are "the enemies of the people of Derry".

"The PSNI is a service that is accepted and supported by the overwhelming majority of the Irish people. By contrast, the Real IRA is completely rejected by the Irish people," he added.

"Every section of the nationalist and republican communities - apart from those responsible - have been unanimous in condemning this act."

Chief Supt Richard Russell said: "This statement doesn't clear up the fact that these men very irresponsibly opened fire with a shotgun, an indiscriminate weapon, in a built-up area close to three schools where there were hundreds of children making their way to classes."