Representing both sides of the community, the quartet were the living embodiment of the new policing dispensation in the Province.

Avid Gaelic footballers died alongside their Orangeman colleague.

However yesterday, when asked if Mr McGuinness, was intending to attend any of the PSNI funerals a party spokesman declined to answer directly.

He said: "The protocol would be that local Sinn Fein people would attend their local funerals, and members of the local DPP.

"The deputy first minister did not have any 'personal relationship with any of the seven people killed on the roads this weekend'.

"There were seven people killed on the roads over that the weekend and not four.

"Sinn Fein will be represented at either their funerals or their wakes."

Meanwhile, the Orange Order has expressed its sympathy to the families of the four officers.

Constable Kenny Irvine was an active member of the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution in the area and held office in both organisations.

An Orange Order spokesman said: "Kenny Irvine was a very active member of the Orange Order in the Kilkeel area.

"He was a tireless worker for his local community and we extend our sincere sympathy to his family and the families of the other three officers who tragically lost their lives while carrying out their duty on behalf of us all."

On the Sunday morning the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dromore telephoned the PSNI Area Commander for Newry and Mourne to offer his condolences.

A Diocese spokesman said that Bishop McAreavey had assured the area commander that his prayers and sympathies were with the families of the men who had died as well as their colleagues and all who are affected by the tragedy.