The SDLP has accused the Ulster Unionist chairman of Strabane District Council, Mr Edward Turner, of "gross irresponsibility" after he said potential investors should steer clear of the Co Tyrone town.
Mr Turner, referring to - the 1,500lb IRA bomb defused by the British army on the outskirts of Strabane on Monday, said it would not be wise for investors to "risk their money in a town like this".
Mr Joe Byrne, the SDLP's West Tyrone representative, said Mr Turner had behaved totally irresponsibly.