The Sinn Féin president, Mr Gerry Adams, has sought a "definitive and unqualified" assertion from both governments that the Northern Ireland Assembly elections will go ahead this autumn.
Speaking following a meeting with the Taoiseach in Dublin this morning, Mr Adams said: "What people want to see coming out of the meeting between the Taoiseach and Tony Blair next weeks a definitive and unqualified assertion that elections will go ahead and that the [Belfast] Agreement will be implemented in full.
"We need to move quickly out of the dangerous vacuum that the British government has caused in the process. It is clear that elections would anchor the peace process and help restore people's confidence in its ability to bring about change."
Mr Adams added: "We, who supported the Good Friday Agreement, cannot wait on our rights and entitlements because of a crisis in Unionism.
"The governments have to recognise that these are democratic rights and move ahead with the implementation of all outstanding aspects of the Agreement."
