There has been sharp criticism of the Nobel award from the Democratic Unionist Party. The DUP deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson, described it as "a vivid example of the rewards offered to those who are prepared to jettison principle and reward terrorists".

He added: "The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to those who struck a deal to satisfy the vile murderers of the IRA shows the topsy-turvy political world into which Northern Ireland has descended.

"Better by far to be scorned by the world, `the great and the good' and hold on to one's principles than to be lavished with praise and applauded by the movers and shakers for having truck with terrorists," Mr Robinson said in a statement.

The DUP's justice spokesman, Mr Ian Paisley jnr, said that "once again the Nobel Peace Prize Committee has been demonstrated to be a farce".

He added: "These people have not delivered peace, nor are they peace-makers. I think we have a false peace. We have not had a real peace. Until the weapons of war are surrendered, we cannot say we have the beginning of a real peace."

The UK Unionist Party leader, Mr Robert McCartney MP, said he did not wish to express any view on the awards.

"I neither disapprove nor endorse the decision to award it. I know there are some who have taken a stronger view on it, but I greet this essentially with indifference. It's a matter for the judges of the Nobel laureate," he said.