Adams slams British govt for 'downgrading' North's Equality Commission

The Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is criticising the British government for "downgrading" the North's Equality Commission by advertising for a part-time chief commissioner.

Mr Adams said the decision was a retrograde one and would undermine a key mechanism of the Good Friday Agreement.

He said that while progress towards equality has been made, the Commission needs more, not less, support to fulfil its role and he has called for the post to be re-advertised as a full-time one.

Earlier, Mr Adams made a fresh appeal for the killers of Robert McCartney to come forward but he said he cannot force them to do so.

He was speaking as republicans gathered for today's 1916 Rising commemorations.