Adams hits out at UUP threats

Sinn Fein has called on the British government to stand firm against the Ulster Unionist Party over its threat to pull members from the power-sharing executive if the IRA fails to show evidence of moving towards disbandment.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams made the call following a meeting with SDLP leader Mark Durkan earlier today.

Mr Adams said that government must press ahead with the Good Friday Agreement despite the UUP's threats and that Prime Minister Tony Blair should not contemplate suspension of the institutions.

Sinn Fein's Mid-Ulster MP, Martin McGuinness, also hit out at the UUP's stance and said it was a "full frontal attack on the Good Friday Agreement".

Earlier, Mark Durkan met other pro-Agreement parties, including the Women's Coalition and the Progressive Unionist Party. Afterwards, he said it was important for everyone to make it clear they were standing by the deal brokered in 1998.

While he said he would have no problem holding a meeting with David Trimble as leader of the Ulster Unionists, he said he would rather see all the parties meet together with the British and Irish governments.

At Saturday's meeting of the UUP's ruling council, Mr Trimble adopted a tougher line against Sinn Fein following claims of republican paramilitary activity over the past number of months.

Mr Trimble gave until January 18, in which the UUP's ruling council meets again, for the IRA to set out its stall.

(MB)