SF says election postponement would harm democracy

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has said that the British government would be calling a halt to the Irish peace process if it decided to postpone the Northern Assembly elections scheduled for May 29.

"If the British government were to postpone these elections, it would be very damaging for the democratic process," Mr McGuinness said.

"It would send a very clear message that rejectionist unionists are having their way. It would be tantamount to the British government calling a halt to the Good Friday Agreement."

The DUP and anti-agreement Ulster Unionists have also urged Britain not to postpone the elections, saying it would be a capitulation to "Sinn Fein/IRA terrorists".