Adams criticises Irish and British governments on North

Decisions made by the British government were seriously undermining the Belfast Agreement and the work of the political institutions, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has told the Dáil.

He also accused the current and past governments in the Republic of taking its eye off the North. There were outstanding issues, such as a bill of rights an Irish language act, to be dealt with.

“The Government is a co-equal guarantor with the British government of this agreement,’’ he added. “This is not the British government’s agreement.’’

Mr Adams said the British government had reneged on an €18 billion commitment agreed in 2006 to develop and economic peace dividend. He asked Taoiseach Enda Kenny to join with him in calling on the British government to honour its commitments and to remove what was a threat to the well being of the institutions in the North and to the executive and the assembly.

Mr Kenny said a bill of rights would be possible if there was constructive discussion between the parties on its substance. He added the Mr Adams would be well aware from his long experience of politics in Northern Ireland that every time there was an issue the political process went to Downing Street and asked for another cheque.

“I would like to think that governments would honour their commitments in respect of the Good Friday Agreement,’’ he added.

Mr Kenny said he expected to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in the near future and would discuss the issue with them.