Adams: "Elections needed to save Irish peace process"

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has warned that the Irish peace process could drift into oblivion if the British government does not call elections in the North as a matter of urgency.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair cancelled Assembly elections that were due to take place today because the IRA had not used the correct language in declaring an end to all paramilitary activity.

Sinn Féin and the SDLP are holding a series of protests today to highlight their anger at the cancellation of the election.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions, meanwhile, has joined the growing chorus of voices calling on Britain to reinstate the elections as soon as possible.

ICTU said the direct-rule British ministers currently running the North are introducing initiatives that will led to further job losses in the manufacturing sector.