The Dáil has observed a minute's silence in memory of the murdered British Labour MP Jo Cox.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said she was “a talented and dedicated politician, with a very bright political future”.

He said the outpouring of grief and dismay at her murder gave a strong indication of the kind of politician, public servant, humanitarian, friend, daughter, wife and mother she was.

"This was an attack on our democratic values," said Mr Kenny.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said it was important they condemned what happened but also reflected on it.

Remarkable woman

Ms Cox, he said, was "a rising star, a person who was passionate, independent in mind and spirit and a person who through her short life made an extraordinary contribution before she entered politics".

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said Ms Cox was a remarkable young woman.

“She had only been elected to the British parliament for a year and was recognised as a dedicated activist and a very articulate advocate for her constituency and for those issues important to her,” he added.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin also expressed sympathy, adding Ms Cox had been shot and stabbed just 70 miles from where party colleague Seán Sherlock and himself had been campaigning for a Remain vote on what seemed like an ordinary day.