A PUBLIC appearance by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in a small market town has provoked a storm of protest.

There have been calls for the lecture in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, to be cancelled. One resident has described the event as being in "bad taste" and the local MP has received a flood of irate calls.

The republican politician is to be the speaker at the annual Joan Maynard Memorial Lecture at Thirsk Town Hall on Friday, October 12.

Miss Maynard died of cancer in 1998, aged 76, at home in Sowerby. She had been a parish and county councillor, as well as Labour MP for Sheffield Brightside for 13 years.

One of the organisers of the memorial lecture, Don Cartridge, said that Mr Adams became a friend of Miss Maynard through her work as an MP.

He said: "Joan was very interested in the Irish question. We are honoured that he has decided to come along. It's a mark of respect for Joan."

However, Vale of York MP, Anne McIntosh, said: "It's unfortunate timing in view of everything that has happened since September 11. I particularly resent the fact it is Gerry Adams, president of the political wing of a terrorist movement.

"At the very least I will be asking the organisers to be sensitive to local attitudes and postpone any such invitation at this time. I think it's totally insensitive. Everyone seems to be outraged."

Vice-chairman of Thirsk Town Council, Andy Robinson, said the event should be cancelled and the chairman of the Chamber of Trade, Don Moore, said it was in bad taste considering the number of military bases nearby.

Sergeant Jon Hunter, of Thirsk Police, said that while Mr Adams would be treated much like any other MP, extra officers would be on duty.

"We are obviously mindful of any potential public order problems and will be taking appropriate steps to deal with them," he added.

Organisers of an appeal, set up in Miss Maynard's name to raise money for a palliative care unit for terminally ill people, have stressed it is not affiliated with the lecture.

Eleanor Hooper, from the Joan Maynard Appeal committee, said: "Our appeal has nothing to do with the memorial lecture, or politics. We are purely about trying to help and look after sick and dying people."

Application forms for lecture tickets, priced £5, are available by contacting Bob Duffy on (01642) 244200.

Funds raised will go towards paying for next year's lecture and covering Mr Adams' expenses.