Northern Ireland Assembly members were today preparing to debate the state of the IRA ceasefire in the wake of allegations that the republican terror group is still targeting senior politicians.

Fine Gael's John Bruton has attacked Gerry Adams over his refusal to attend the US congressional hearing in Washington.

Gerry Adams has announced he will not attend a congressional hearing on links between republicans and Colombian rebels.

Sinn Fein was branded as undemocratic tonight for failing to appear before a Dail committee to answer questions about alleged links with international terrorism.