Talks only credible if Arlene Foster goes, says Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has issued a clear ultimatum to DUP leader Arlene Foster, saying last-ditch talks with the party to prevent an election will only be “credible” if she agrees to fully step aside by Monday.

He outlined the situation in a private meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Dublin yesterday in which he broke with his party’s previous position to say he is now willing to hold talks with the DUP to prevent the collapse of the Stormont government.

Speaking on RTÉ Six One News last night, Mr Kenny said he met with Mr Adams and Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald at Government Buildings yesterday, and also held phonecalls with Martin McGuinness and Ms Foster.