Politicians in Northern Ireland have united in their condemnation of the series of bombings in Madrid today that have killed at least 180 and injured hundreds of commuters.

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble offered his "deepest condolences" to the Spanish people and Government and said he "utterly condemned the evil and inhumane terror atrocity in Madrid".

Speaking from Westminster this morning Mr Trimble said: "I am shocked and sickened by the wave of terrorism to hit Madrid this morning and my colleagues and I utterly condemn this atrocity.

"Only a few weeks ago I was in Madrid at a conference organised by the Foundation for the Victims of Terrorism. Through visits like this I am well aware of the threat posed by terrorism to Spain and have continuously expressed my solidarity with the Spanish people and their Government.

"This event has dwarfed everything that has happened in recent Spanish history. However, it must clearly indicate the evils of terrorism to all sections of society and to those who carried out these actions. This disaster highlights the need for all sections of society to put aside their legitimate differences and work together to combat this global threat."

The DUP's Jim Allister, who described the bombing as "an attack on democracy" offered the party's condolences to the people of Spain: "On behalf of the DUP, I extend my sympathy to the people of Spain at this tragic time. We in Northern Ireland know only too well of the tragedy and trauma of terrorism."

However, Mr Allister challenged Sinn Fein over the Madrid bombing, which he said bore "all the hallmarks of ETA", to spell out Sinn Fein/IRA’s connections with ETA.

He said: "Once again this attack demonstrates the very real nature of the axis of international terrorism. It brings into sharp focus the relationship between Sinn Fein/IRA and their blood brothers in the Basque separatist movement.

"Sinn Fein/IRA have in the past hosted these Spanish terrorists at their political conferences in Dublin and many people in Northern Ireland will have grasped the reality that the terror tactics of multiple bombs used in Belfast by the IRA have now been exported to Spain."

In a statement this morning, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams condemned the series of bomb attacks in Madrid.

Mr Adams said: "This is an appalling act. It is wrong and those involved should stop.

"Like everyone else I have been horrified by the images of this mornings atrocity and my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and those who have been injured."

The Spanish government have blamed the bomb attacks on ETA, but the group's political wing has denied responsibility for the Madrid attack.

(SP)