Mr Frazer was attacked by a gang of republicans near Crossmaglen on Wednesday.

But the Stormont Minister’s reaction was to call him “a well-known fantasist”, as opposed to condemning the violent incident, which may have been an attempted abduction.

Critics have claimed Mr Murphy’s remarks were not those that would be associated with a member of government, who fully supported the policing and justice system.

Still recovering from his ordeal, yesterday, and nursing a number of minor injuries, Mr Frazer commented: “I want to make it absolutely clear I am not out to stir the pot on policing and justice.

“But I can only react to what happened to me and what Conor Murphy has then said about it.

“And I challenge him to meet me face-to-face, in a public forum, to debate those remarks and debate law and order in south Armagh.”

He continued: “He says I am fantasist. Tell that to the cameraman who was in the car with me, at the time, shouting for a documentary. Did he imagine what happened?

“Sinn Fein want to discredit me, tarnish my name and pass me off as a crank. It is a classic tactic because I do not suit their agenda.

“It’s like the Northern Bank robbery or Robert McCartney.

“We were told they were nothing to do with republicans, it is all fantasy.

“Well I can tell you it is not fantasy that law and order does not reign over south Armagh.”

Mr Frazer confirmed he had passed the names of some of his attackers to the police. Partial registration numbers of vehicles they were in, were also noted.

A spokesman for Mr Murphy has said he will be making no further comment.

The police investigation is continuing.