The united calls from politicians, from the First Minister across to MLAs of every party, have given us all heart that the foundations of the power-sharing administration are stronger than some have feared.

Ian Paisley was right when he called the bombing an "attack on democracy ", and he was right, too, when he said there can be no turning back for Northern Ireland.

Swift and angry condemnation has flowed in from all quarters, and it underlines how little support exists for armed republicanism.

However, it was the visit by Martin McGuinness to the hospital bedside of the injured policeman that is the most striking feature of the condemnation.

Yesterday the Belfast Telegraph called upon Sinn Fein to "take a lead in its community with an exceptionally robust condemnation" of the murder attempt.

Such a move, we argued, would "show the enemies of peace and reconciliation just how utterly isolated they really are".

Mr McGuinness' visit to the injured officer was a genuine gesture that does just that, and should therefore be recognised and welcomed by everyone.