Unionist and nationalists today clashed angrily over demands for the Parachute Regiment to leave Co Fermanagh following an incursion across the border.
SDLP Assembly member Mr Tommy Gallagher has demanded the troops be recalled from the area because of their "warlike" behaviour.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA has already raised the matter with the Government and is scheduled to hold talks with the new British Northern Ireland secretary Mr John Reid tomorrow.
But Mr James Cooper, who has been selected by the Ulster Unionist Party to stand against Mr Gallagher in the looming Westminster elections, accused Mr Gallagher of risking security in his efforts to play party politics.
The Army has confirmed that a paratrooper foot patrol inadvertently crossed the border near the village of Belleek last night.
The regiment has been in the area since before Christmas to help demolish the final three army bases in Co Fermanagh.
According to Mr Gallagher the alleged incursion was the latest in a string of provocative acts, which has led him to call for the soldiers to leave.
"The place has been saturated with troops, there's been a very high profile and the soldiers have been behaving in a warlike fashion," he said.
A British army spokesman said today that while some members of 2 Parachute Regiment had crossed the border unwittingly, they did not linger.
"As soon as they realised our mistake they turned back and came back into Northern Ireland," he said.
"We are carrying out a full investigation as we do in all these circumstances."
PA