Adams defends SF ministers

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams described today’s cross-border meeting as an attempt by Mr McGuinness and Ms de Brun to carry out their duties despite Mr Trimble’s ban.

"It sends the signal that people on this island who are pro-Agreement, and that includes ministers in the south and here in the north are not prepared and Sinn Fein people are certainly not prepared to simply accept what David Trimble has done," he said.

"Today is showing that as much as it’s possible within the restrictions placed unlawfully by the First Minister it’s business as usual for the two Sinn Fein ministers."