Adams attacks UUP hypocrisy on violence

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has accused Reg Empey, the deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, of political hypocrisy over his continual criticism of the republican movement.

Mr Empey has complained about the "moral dilemma" facing unionists who have to share power with Sinn Fein while the IRA is still in existence.

However, Mr Adams pointed out today that the UUP sits on the Loyalist Commission, which also contains the UDA, the group responsible for murdering a Catholic teenager in cold blood last weekend.

"There is anger - and people should know this - among many nationalists and republicans at the double standards involved in the UUP’s protestations over Sinn Fein’s rightful involvement in the Executive and the UUP’s involvement in the Loyalist Commission," Mr Adams said.

"What the UUP needs to make clear is when the Loyalist Commission is going to announce an end to the killing of Catholics."

The commission was formed earlier this year as a coalition of unionist paramilitaries, politicians and community leaders.