Adams departs for five-day visit to North America

The Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams left for a five-day visit to North America this morning for both political and fund-raising engagements.

It will be the last time Sinn Fein can raise money in the US for use in Ireland.

On Thursday, Gerry Adams will speak at a fund-raising dinner in New York.

It has become an annual ritual, although this year's event could be the last of its kind.

Under new US law, all proceeds from such events must be spent in the US, so from next year Sinn Fein will not be able to spend the money, for example, on election expenses in Ireland.

Foundations and projects in the US to highlight issues such as human rights and equality in Ireland could be the beneficiaries instead.

Gerry Adams will also meet the US envoy to Ireland, Richard Haas, at the State Department in Washington where he'll argue for the revival of the executive at Stormont, as well as more radical police reforms.

He will also be meeting the Governor of New Jersey, Jimmy McGreevy, and will visit Toronto and Montreal.