TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday defended Fr Alec Reid against fallout from his Nazi comment, describing him as a great man who had contributed much to peace in the North.

The Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams told his party's annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration at Bodenstown in Co Kildare this afternoon that republicans must face up to the challenges ahead.

Fianna Fail members are holding their annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration later today.

Sinn Féin say that they are intensifying efforts to persuade unionists that a United Ireland is the best option.

The Good Friday Agreement will not be re-negotiated, Bertie Ahern warned hardline unionists today.