The SDLP was accused of "pure, naked sectarianism" today over its latest election advertisement about policing.
In an inter-party spat Ulster Unionist Policing Board member Fred Cobain said a party which professed to be inclusive had "sunk to an all time low" with an advertisement which claimed the SDLP had got rid of the RUC, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, British symbols and Special Branch.
He said most disturbing was the SDLP claim they were responsible for the appointment of Hugh Orde as chief constable.
"Why are the SDLP suggesting the chief constable is one of their own?" said Mr Cobain. "Do they not realise the damage this may cause to him and the Police Service in general?"
The SDLP was claiming the Policing Board was driven by Patten, but recent decisions of the board would fundamentally refute that, he added. "Everyone realises that Patten is fine in theory but useless in practice," he said.
"What they are trying to prove by promoting such pure and naked sectarianism is anybody's guess.
"I am personally disappointed that in the heat of an election they have resorted to Sinn Fein tactics in order to grab attention."
But SDLP policing spokesman Alex Attwood defended the party - going on the attack saying the UUP and DUP had opposed the appointment of Hugh Orde.
"What we claim - and it is a fact - is that Hugh Orde led the Stevens investigation on a day to day level into loyalist collusion.
"He saw what went wrong in the past and has made clear his determination to put it right," said Mr Attwood.
He insisted Patten was being implemented on the Policing Board "no matter how much unionist politicians try to cover this up."
PA