Although the DUP, too, was criticised over the stalemate that threatens devolution.

The Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Alliance all rounded on republicanism in the wake of the recent threats to topple the institutions if the policing powers are not transferred soon – and after Peter Robinson's statement yesterday.

UUP MEP Jim Nicholson, speaking from Brussels, called on Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to spell out whether he shared Irish TD Caoimghin O'Caolain's view that if policing and justice powers are not devolved to Stormont that Sinn Fein would pull its ministers out of government.

He said: "Firstly it should be said that a politician from the Republic has no business making threats relating to the parliament of another country.

"Mr O'Caolain's views are provocative to say the least. If his view is shared by the Deputy First Minister then the people of Northern Ireland have a right to know that a crisis is coming.

"Secondly, the people of Northern Ireland had hoped that they would get the normal politics that they deserve.

"Instead, we have immature and childish tantrums from Sinn Fein, threatening the entire devolved institutions if they do not get their way.

"Lastly, in my opinion there is no appetite whatsoever amongst a majority of people in Northern Ireland for the devolution of policing and justice.

"People can see that any decision on it in the short-term would be made for party political reasons only."

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the leaders of both Sinn Fein and the DUP were "playing a dangerous game with the devolved institutions" which can only encourage republican dissident groups.

Alliance leader David Ford said that Sinn Fein's threat to collapse the Assembly perfectly highlighted the problems within the current Executive.

He said: "Unless all the parties demonstrate the political will to make the Assembly work, policing and justice should not yet be entrusted with them.

"Why is Sinn Fein looking for extra responsibility considering they cannot deal effectively with the powers they have already got?"

Meanwhile, Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister yesterday said the DUP should admit it was wrong to enter into government with republicans.

He said: "The very fact that Peter Robinson had to issue a statement like today's amounts to an admission that his party made a gross misjudgment in going into government with Sinn Fein.

"He would have had us believe that republicans had made the transition to democracy but in reality they continue to employ threats to get their way.

"The statement underscores my contention that mandatory coalition has failed and is unworkable."