Adams expects post-election talks on peace process

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams today forecast fresh negotiations on the peace process after the British General Election.

Mr Adams and other senior members of his party - including ministers Martin McGuinness and Barbara De Brun - had a 75 minute meeting in Dublin today with an Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Afterwards he said Mr Ahern was ‘‘obviously very focused’’ on issues currently affecting the Good Friday agreement on Northen Ireland - including the threatened resignation of First Minister and Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Mr Trimble’s refusal to nominate either of the Sinn Fein ministers for cross border meetings with the Government.

Mr Adams said: ‘‘We reviewed and trawled through the difficulties - and I think there are certainly big difficulties which will have to be tackled.

‘‘There are very, very clear signs that as soon as the election is over we are going to be into negotiations once again.

‘I can only say that a big responsibility lies with the British Government. The issues have all to be taken on.

‘‘The two ministers have been here today to underline our sense of annoyance and anger that the First Minister has decreed, unlawfully, that these are not suitable persons to fulfil their duties as ministers when they have a mandate the same as he has.’’

Mr Adams said Sinn Fein’s commitment to the peace process was still in place.

‘‘Whether all the different players are prepared to bring their pieces of the jigsaw to the table is something we will have to wait and see.’’

On Sinn Fein’s election prospects Mr Adams predicted they would increase their number of seats in the House of Commons and boost their vote in every Northern Ireland constituency.