Robin Cook told MPs yesterday that the government believed Sinn Fein MPs should now be given full access to Commons facilities despite the party's on-going refusal to swear the oath of allegiance.

The plan, which will be debated by MPs on Tuesday, drew strong criticism from the Tories and senior unionists.

Under the terms of the plan, Sinn Fein MPs will be given offices at Westminster and will be allowed to employ staff using the £70,000 a year budget allocated by the fees office.

The Mail describes the move as a "£430,000 bonanza" for the party that has strong links to the IRA.