It's been another very difficult 24 hours for the people of Northern Ireland and for individuals like me who care very deeply about what happens there.
This time last night, pretty much to the minute, Constable Stephen Carroll (pictured) was murdered by dissident republican terrorists in Craigavon, Co Armagh. His death came two days after the equally barbarous killings of two British soldiers at an Army base in Antrim.
Almost 11 years ago, the Good Friday Agreement was assented to at Stormont in Belfast. I was in the building that day, as part of the Ulster Unionist delegation, to witness something most people never thought would happen - a deal being reached between Unionists, Loyalists, nationalists and republicans on a new way forward for the troubled Province.
The following years often proved very difficult for the so-called "peace process" and more people died along the way including 29 in the Omagh bombing of August 1998. But, since that year, no police officers or soldiers were killed in Northern Ireland - until the three murders of recent days.
The next few weeks and possibly months are likely to be trying and other attempted dissident terrorist attacks are certain.
However, be in no doubt. The resolve of the people of Northern Ireland and - somewhat contrary to previous form - its politicians, will ensure that the current difficulties are overcome and the evil men currently creating such fear and sorrow in the community are captured or killed.
Needless to say it is hoped that this end is reached sooner rather than later.
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