THE Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, has insinuated that British intelligence may have been behind the hotel bombing.
While a republican paramilitary group aligned to Republican Sinn Fein is the main suspect, Mr Adams was extremely critical of the blast. "I was greatly relieved that no one was seriously hurt in the explosion. The IRA have stated clearly that they were not involved.
"The bomb comes at a time when the British Prime Minister, John Major, and the unionist leaderships are in the dock for their disgraceful behaviour over the past week. Whoever claims responsibility for this attack, I will remain suspicious as to the real authors."
The Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, said: "The recklessness of the perpetrators - is demonstrated by the brevity of the warning which meant that hundreds of guests, many attending a wedding, were evacuated with only minutes to spare."
He said it was too early to say who was responsible but there were indications that preparations for the attack began some time ago.
The leader of the UDA's political wing, the Ulster Democratic Party, Mr Gary McMichael, described the bombing as the most serious incident during the peace process. He said it put the loyalist ceasefire under serious pressure and called for stringent security measures to be taken against the IRA.
A DUP councillor in Belfast, Mr Sammy Wilson, also called for a strong security response. "The danger is that this government is more likely to try to buy them off. No doubt the pressure from Dublin and the SDLP will be for some such payout. If the government is to retain any credibility, it must steadfastly refuse to do that.
"Last week, it flew in 4,000 troops and gave the police unlimited overtime to smash the Orange Order. Let us see the same resolve against those who have brought gunfire back to our streets and bombs back to our towns."
SDLP representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Mr Tommy Gallagher, condemned the bomb. "This is a very serious incident. It was only by the grace of God that we hadn't fatalities." He appealed for calm and restraint. "Violence is the worst injustice which can be inflicted on any person or community, no matter what flag, uniform or motive the perpetrators claim."
The Alliance leader, Dr John Alderdice, said the bombing was "calculated not only to take life but also to kill off any hope of peace". He called on the people of Northern Ireland to make their voices heard against "irresponsible" unionist leaders "before their voices are drowned out again by the sound of bombs and gunfire".
The Methodist president, the Rev Kenneth Best, expressed his "sorrow and dismay".