Adams says IRA weapons issue 'can be resolved'

Sinn Féin President Mr Gerry Adams has called on the Irish and British governments to proceed without the DUP if it was not prepared…

Sinn Féin President Mr Gerry Adams has called on the Irish and British governments to proceed without the DUP if it was not prepared to sign up to the proposed deal.

He said a deal on restoration of devolution was still possible but added that an accommodation could not be built through a process of humiliation.

Speaking at a Sinn Féin function in Navan last night, Mr Adams said the time for negotiation was over.

If the DUP refuses to engage properly, then the two governments must move ahead without them
Sinn Fein President Mr Gerry Adams

He said the issue of IRA arms could be resolved but made no reference to a DUP demand that any decommissioning act should be photographed.

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"Sinn Féin believes that this matter can be dealt with to the satisfaction of all reasonable people in the context of a comprehensive agreement and under the remit of the IICD [Independent International Commission on Decommissioning].

Mr Adams delivered a sharp message to Mr Blair and the Taoiseach, insisting they must ensure their text was in line with their stated criteria and "the Good Friday Agreement".

He said any deal must be "bedded in and capable of delivering" the Belfast Agreement.

The talks must now be concluded, he insisted. "If the DUP refuses to engage properly, then the two governments must move ahead without them."

Mr Adams added that Dr Paisley's suggestion that republicans wear "sackcloth and ashes" had compounded difficulties within the republican constituency. "An accommodation of equals cannot be built through a process of humiliation," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Unionist Leader, David Trimble MP, has called for the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning to publish full details of the acts of decommissioning that have taken place.

Speaking in the House of Commons during Northern Ireland Questions, the Ulster Unionist leader asked NIO Security Minister, Ian Pearson MP, if he would: "Urge the General to publish details of what has happened and what may happen, without worrying too much about the views of the paramilitaries concerned?"

Mr Pearson, however, declined, stating: "The scheme and the regulations allow for confidentiality at the request of participants."

It was reported this morning that the British Prime Minister is likely to appeal to the Rev Ian Paisley to soften his demand for photographic evidence of IRA decommissioning as Tuesday's potential date for a deal is now almost certain to slip back to Wednesday - at the earliest.