Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson said she was convinced the DUP MP was stressed and this was manifesting itself in a series of public remarks targeting homosexuality.

But neither the DUP MP or her party had any response to this astounding public observation by the republican politician as they sought to bring an end to the latest controversy surrounding Mrs Robinson, which began when she compared gays with child abusers.

The first lady of the DUP suggested she had been misquoted in the transcript of a Hansard report of a Westminster committee meeting which had her saying "there can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children".

And if not misquoted she said "what I clearly intended to say was that child abuse was worse even than homosexuality and sodomy" – although the MP claimed homosexuality and child abuse were "comparable" as sins.

The issue rumbled on yesterday because Hansard checked its audio and said it had quoted Mrs Robinson correctly, in response to her protestations.

However, although the MP had corrected the comment and effectively retracted it, Ms Anderson said her recent remarks on homosexuality amounted to an "onslaught" on gays and lesbian people which was "hurtful" and "insulting".

Mrs Robinson has insisted she does not want to cause hurt or offence and insisted she is reaching out in love not hate.

But Ms Anderson said: "Iris seems to be constantly obsessed with the gay and lesbian community."

"I think she (Mrs Robinson] should seek a quiet moment to sit down and talk to somebody herself."

The Sinn Fein woman continued by suggesting the DUP MP "takes time out".
"Maybe she's under massive pressure," Ms Anderson said.

"She seems to be displaying all the characteristics of someone under severe pressure and she should take herself away and sort out her life."