Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has launched a scathing attack on Irish justice minister Michael McDowell claiming he wouldn't trust him "to go to the shop for a bottle of milk".

Mr Adams made his remark after the Dail TD claimed the Irish Government's role within the current peace process was that of an honest broker.

However, Mr Adams claimed that the Irish Government's role was not that of a broker but of an equal partner.

"It is little wonder that the British government is so dismissive of the views of both the Taoiseach and all parties on the island with the exception of the UUP, given Mr McDowell's explanation of the Irish government's role," Mr Adams said.

The Sinn Fein leader also expressed his anger at what he saw as the British Government "calling the shots" as regard the current process.

He added: "I don't expect the unionist political leadership to behave in any other way. It wasn't David Trimble who cancelled the election. He didn't take the decision. It was taken by Mr Blair and he disregarded the wishes of everyone else.

"I wouldn't send Michael McDowell to the shop for a bottle of milk if this is the way he perceives the role of the sovereign government in Dublin. It is a nonsense."

(MB)