The first terrorist murder of a PSNI officer in Northern Ireland has led to an unprecedented wave of condemnation and a widespread rejection of the terror that dissident republicans are trying to bring to the province.

The events of the past few days have united republican and unionist figures in Northern Ireland as never before, as well as political leaders from across the world.

Also joining the wave of condemnation have been church leaders, educationalists, trade unionists, and human rights activists.

And thousands are expected to come onto the streets today for a series of peace rallies in defiance of the RIRA and CIRA murderers.

At 1pm the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) have called for the public to participate in the protests at Belfast City Hall, Londonderry Guildhall Square and Newry Town Hall.

Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary of the ICTU, said the public must face down those behind the killings with a “massive display of the unity of the people of Northern Ireland”.

“This show of strength from civil society will send a clear message to the killers who do not |deserve the monopoly of the word ‘dissident’. The word is too good for them. They are delinquents,” he said.

“A clear message will also go to the outside world which makes clear the decency and humanity of the people of Northern Ireland.”

Clergy leaders also voiced their condemnation at the two atrocities.

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Rev Alan Harper, OBE, appealed for the community to help the police in tracking down the killers.

“Violent acts do not serve the legitimate political aspirations of anyone on this island.”

In a joint statement the Right Revd Harold Miller, Church of Ireland Bishop of Down and Dromore and Most Rev John McAreavey, Catholic Bishop of Dromore said the murder of the policeman “was a morally bankrupt act”.

The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) said now is the time for strong leadership.

“We need to create safe spaces where young people can experience difference as something which enriches their lives and not as something that entrenches |division and breeds sectarianism.

“We owe them this as we move |towards our shared and better |future.”

Meanwhile the Community Relations Council chairman Tony McCusker said: “There is a need for everyone to be united against these killings and to stand firm against any return to sectarianism.”

National Union of Journalists President James Doherty said people must send a clear signal to those who seek to destroy the peace and stability of community life.

“The peace which has been hard won cannot and will not be taken away by a small minority who have no mandate,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson, Chief Executive Sam Pollock said: “The murders must be utterly |condemned as attacks on the progress which society has worked so hard to achieve.”

Meanwhile Parliamentarians in the House of Commons are today set to give their support to the peace rallies in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward told the Commons on Monday that he wished the peace rallies “every success as a show of solidarity with those who were murdered and those who were injured”.

A silent vigil will be held in Lisburn City centre at Sunken Gardens, Market Sqaure, at 1pm.