THE Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, has called the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, a "cheer leader for a terrorist gang" over his proposal for a quick entry into talks for Sinn Fein if the IRA calls a ceasefire.
Mr Trimble also praised the Australian government for refusing a visa to the Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, and said he would be lobbying the US government to remove Sinn Fein's licence to raise funds.
He said funds raised for Sinn Fein in the US were being used to "assist an ongoing terrorist campaign".
Speaking outside the Northern Ireland Forum yesterday, Mr Trimble disputed the Tanaiste's view on the importance and timing of a Sinn Fein entry to the Stormont multi party talks.
Mr Trimble's said the calling of an unequivocal ceasefire did not automatically guarantee Sinn Fein a place at talks. The Northern Secretary had to be satisfied under the legislation covering the talks and Forum that Sinn Fein was "entirely committed to peaceful means and the democratic process".
He said Mr Spring's view that the talks would not succeed without Sinn Fein "subverts the democratic principle".
"He seems to be acting as a cheerleader for a terrorist gang, rather than behaving as a member of an elected government and someone who must be committed to the democratic process."
During yesterday's session of the Forum, the Democratic Unionist Party deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson, said a plan by Bord Failte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for a joint marketing strategy was a threat to the North's constitutional position.
Mr Robinson called on the Forum to press the British government to prevent the marketing strategy, to be launched in Dublin on Monday.
He said the "branding Ireland" strategy "presents Northern Ireland as part of a seamless all Ireland entity".
"Dublin would not only be the launching pad for the all Ireland organisation of tourism but would be the main focus of the resulting programme. The political intention of the pan nationalist front is to graft Northern Ireland on to all Ireland structures in a gradual and unobtrusive way.
"Every bluff, lure and expedient is to be used to gull the unwary of the political purposes behind the stratagem. Every move along the road is to be covered by a smokescreen of social or economic convenience but the move to all Ireland convergence is intended to proceed without let or hindrance.
He was speaking during a brief adjournment debate in the Forum yesterday.
The Minister for Tourism, Mr Kenny, responding in Dublin to the remarks, said tourism was the one factor which could benefit everyone on the island, irrespective of religious beliefs or party affiliations.
"It is much easier to market the island as a whole internationally than divided. I am generally happy with the co operation between the two tourist boards and between Baroness Denton and myself. This is for the benefit of everyone on the island."
The rest of the day was taken up with debates on the proposed fluoridation of water supplies in Northern Ireland, European grant funding and other health related issues.
The Forum expressed concern about proposals to fluoridate the water supply to improve dental health. It was critical of the Northern Ireland Health Minister and Mr Malcolm Moss's position on the issue and expressed concern at the apparent haste of the minister to decide on the matter.