Ahern and Adams in war of words over IRA claim

THE deteriorating relationship between the Government and Sinn Féin slumped to its lowest point since the Good Friday Agreement yesterday.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern publicly stated he had always assumed Gerry Adams was a member of the IRA.

In remarks that prompted a furious reaction from a "flabbergasted" Sinn Féin president, Mr Ahern said he would be surprised if Mr Adams hadn't been in the IRA at some stage.