Then came the sad tidings that Pope John Paul would not be crossing the border, during his pastoral tour of Ireland, �due to the upsurge in Provisional IRA violence in both parts of the country.� The nearest point to the North would be his visit to Drogheda.

A Vatican spokesman stated: �Initially, a visit to Northern Ireland had not been contemplated. Subsequently, in response to numerous requests from individuals, Catholic and Protestant, a decision in principle to re-consider the itinerary with a view to incorporating Northern Ireland was taken. With deep regret, due to the dreadful murders in recent days, it was decided not to include Northern Ireland in the itinerary.�

�The terrible events of recent days in Ireland have cast a heavy shadow over all our discussions. We have had personal expressions of deep grief from the Holy Father at recent murders in our country. We would appeal for calm, in the period leading up to the Holy Father�s arrival.�

SDLP leader Gerry Fitt, former MP for West Belfast, met the British premier, Mrs Thatcher at Belfast City Hall during her flying visit to the North. He stated: �If her visit helps to calm down the feelings, which have existed in the community over the past 48 hours, then I welcome it. As regards the killings of Lord Mountbatten and friends, all you have is an old man of 79, Lady Brabourne, who is 82, and some young boys.

�Those killers could not claim to be acting on behalf of the Irish people. This has been the most tragic day, since the outbreak of the `Troubles. And it will be remembered as the bloodiest day in the annals of Irish history, � he added.

Earl Mountbatten had often spent the summer at Classiebawn Castle in Co Sligo, going fishing with family and friends in his vessel, Shadow V. On that day he had been accompanied by his daughter, Lady Brabourne; her husband Lord Brabourne; their twin sons, Timothy and Nicholas; Lady Brabourne�s mother and a boat-boy, Paul Maxwell, on holiday from Enniskillen.

A short distance from the shore, they stopped to inspect some lobster-pots, when there was a loud explosion, and the boat was blown into �smithereens.� Nearby fishermen rushed to the rescue, but Lord Mountbatten died almost immediately, his legs being almost blown off, while Nicholas Brabourne and Paul Maxwell were also killed in the blast, Dowager Lady Brabourne dying next morning in hospital.

John Maxwell, father of the boat-boy, described how he had watched his son leave from the quay-side, and a short time later came a loud explosion. He had driven to a spot where there was a clear view, but �I knew my son was dead. There was little left except for debris, floating on the surface.�

Garda Superintendent Mc Mahon stated: �The earl use to go out regularly, but he was in constant sight of the gardai. It was at his request that he was not constantly accompanied. He seemed satisfied with his protection. His boat was regularly visited by the gardai during the night.�

Tanaiste George Colley pledged: �Every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice. Earl Mountbatten was a regular and welcome visitor, and the many friendships he made are a testimony to the warm relations between Ireland and Britain, which subversive organisations have sought to disrupt.

At the invitation of the RUC, members of the gardai had gone North to investigate claims that shots had been fired from the southern side at British troops, following the bomb explosions at Narrow-water. Both forces agreed that there was no evidence of this, despite allegations in some of the British media, which the Irish Cabinet had �bitterly resented.�

Secretary of State, Humphrey Atkins attended a meeting of Newry and Mourne district council the following week, the first office-holder to do so. He said that condemnation of the killings had come from all over the world including Moscow, and that �the government will ensure that those responsible for all those acts of terrorism are brought to justice.

�The greatest threat is from the Provisional IRA, an organisation devoid of ideals or political principals. They attack the security forces by stealth; and because they are utterly callous, they also slaughter some of the most defenceless people, including old people in their homes, as well as women and children.

�I have invited the political leaders to discuss with me how best we can achieve a return of regional government to locally-elected people. The security situation is a major stumbling-block to our efforts to find some form of political agreement, - a solution for and by the people of Northern Ireland,� Mr Atkins added.

RUC and British Army officers at Narrow-water said they were �startled by the amazing foresight and pinpoint accuracy of the IRA operation. The bombers not only hit the lorry-load of troops, but accurately judged the reaction of the soldiers after the first bomb.

�It was cool and calculated. You would expect them to retreat after the first attack. Yet they waited a full 25 minutes before detonating the second bomb, just where they expected the troops to take up position,� said a senior police officer. The Provisional IRA explained that it was �a discriminate operation, designed to bring the attention of the English people to the continued occupation of our country.�

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