Eugene McMenamin blamed republicans for the attack

Mr McMenamin blamed the attack on republicans opposed to his support of his party's decision to back policing reforms and take its places on the new Policing Board.

"Over the last month I have been writing in my local press backing my party, the SDLP's, position on policing and I believe that this attack was carried out by those who currently disagree," he said.

"I view this as attempted murder. The two cars are practically burnt to cinders. But they are relatively minor. This could have been a major incident.

"My home could have been burnt to the ground," he said.

It is the second time Mr McMenamin's home has been attacked.

Just over two years ago it was daubed with slogans.

Most of the main parties including the SDLP, Ulster Unionist Party and Democratic Unionist Party have endorsed the changes to policing following the changeover from the Royal Ulster Constabulary to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Only Sinn Fein has refused to support the new service.

'Thugs'

Mr McMenamin said it was "impossible to point the finger at the perpetrators".

But he added: "The responsibility for actions like this lies with those who want to replace state authority with their own particular brand of intimidation.

"It is time these thugs grew up and realised that democracy is the only way forward."

The Sinn Fein MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty described the attack as "despicable".

In a statement Sinn Fein said while it fundamentally disagreed with the SDLP on policing "there could be no justification for the attack".