Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has joined the condemnation of the murder of a 22-year-old man in Derry early today.
The victim has been named locally as Emmett Shiels, from the Bogside in the city, who was a member of a prominent Republican family.
He was shot several times by a group of masked men who confronted him in the Creggan area of the city after 1am this morning. Mr Shiels died later in hospital.
It is understood the PSNI suspect the killing may have been carried out by dissident republicans.
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers earlier condemned the shooting.
First Minister Peter Robinson said the shooting was a despicable and cowardly act carried out by evil people.
'There will be no turning back to the dark days of the past, we will not allow our achievements to be destroyed by violence that has no place in our society,' he said.
'My deepest sympathies are with the young man's family at this very difficult time.'
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness added: 'The people who have perpetrated this act have nothing to offer society. They do not represent anyone in Derry or in the wider community.
'These actions have no place in our future. My thoughts and prayers are with this young man's family and loved ones.'
The shooting occurred in the Bligh's Lane area.
A local priest who was called to the scene said residents told him that the man had been shot and killed in a grassy area not far from St Mary's Church in Creggan.
Fr Stephen McLaughlin said there were reports the man had been chased by a group of people, some of whom were wearing masks, before he was shot and killed.
A large area around the Creggan housing estate has been sealed off as investigations continue.
