'Community united'

That was the message from MLA George Savage (below) as he paid tribute to Constable Stephen Carroll and his family one year on.

He said: "A year ago this week we witnessed the brutal murder of Constable Stephen Carroll on our doorsteps – a callous attack which followed the vicious and cruel murder of Sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey at Massarene Barracks.

"Although I know my words will bring little comfort to those who have lost loved ones, I would like to say that they are in my thoughts and my prayers at this difficult time.

"I hope they can draw strength from the fact that as a community we have united behind them in their sorrow as we pay tribute to those who paid the price for our peace with their lives.

"Their sacrifice will always be remembered. The scenes in both Craigavon and in Antrim last year served as a stark reminder of the legacy we have been left with.

"However, the condemnation that followed shows that this community and that the people of Northern Ireland will not allow these criminals, these cowards to dictate the future of our country. ”

Dolores Kelly (right) has said the best tribute to pay to Constable Stephen Carroll is to ensure he is the last police officer to be murdered by terrorists.

The Upper Bann representative said she would be supporting the devolution of policing and justice powers.

"We very definitely take the view that local control of law and order is a major part of our community response to the threat of dissident violence," said Dolores.

"In fact my party has urged others to do it sooner."

She continued: "The best tribute to Stephen, the best support for his wife, Kate, would be to do our utmost to make sure that this never happens again, that there are no more murder victims and no more officers suffering horrible injuries as Peadar Heffron did.

“Devolution of policing and justice can be part of this effort. We have deep reservations about the politics of how it is being done but there is no question about supporting the principle.”