>I try to create generic XML data island based table solumn sorting routine using sample from http://www.xmlpitstop.com/Default.asp?DataType=XMLEXAMPLES
>
>Unfortunately, I encountered a probable IE 6 bug .

This is not a bug in IE6. Your code is working exactly as it should. To get the result you desire replace the xsl:sort line with

<xsl:sort select="*[name()=$sortfield]" order="{$sortorder}" />

There's a more detailed explanation here :
http://www.biglist.com/lists/xsl-list/archives/200202/msg00707.html

HTH
Irene