Gerry Adams slammed for comparing White House exclusion to Rosa Parks

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has been severely criticised for comparing his exclusion from a White House St Patrick’s Day event to civil rights icon Rosa Parks.

Mr Adams was reportedly refused entry to the White House for the St Patrick’s Day reception hosted by President Barack Obama.

In a statement, Mr Adams said there are forces within the US administration who “seek to treat Sinn Féin differently”. He then compared himself and his party to Ms Parks by saying: “Sinn Féin will not sit at the back of the bus for anyone. We are elected to represent citizens and we will do this. I am hopeful that the controversy around my White House invitation will help lead to a resolution of all these matters.”