The Garda Representative Association says it has lost a "brother in blue" and Ireland has lost a hero, after the murder of Garda Tony Golden in Co. Louth.

Garda Golden was responding to a domestic disturbance at a house in Omeath at about half past six yesterday evening when he - and a woman who lived at the home - were shot by a man who later took his own life.

The unit that attended the scene was the same one that responded to the shooting dead of Garda Adrian Donohoe in nearby Bellurgan three years ago.

President of the GRA Dermot O'Brien says the fact that the man who shot Garda Golden yesterday was out on bail, is a warning to the Minister for Justice that she must take action on bail laws.

He says Ireland has lost a hero:

The death of Garda Tony Golden is set to raise questions about the strength of Ireland's police force - and of the current laws on firearms and bail.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly has been looking at some of the issues raised by the events in Omeath.