Sinn Fein's decision to allow the political representatives of the Basque separatist group ETA to speak at its annual conference in the face of the global anti-terrorist backlash has provoked a wave of Unionist anger.

Accusing Sinn Fein of "crass insensitivity", an Ulster Unionist spokesman said: "The arrogance of Sinn Fein knows no limits. And post-New York and Washington, they have not altered their policy in terms of other international terrorist groups one bit."