Adams expresses regret for grief caused during Troubles

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has expressed regret for the grief caused to the families of all those who died during the Troubles in the North.

Speaking at a press conference in Belfast today, Mr Adams also said brave people, including soldiers and police, had fought on both sides of the conflict.

He made the comments in response to questions about why the IRA's statement declaring an end to its armed struggle did not include an apology.

Meanwhile, Mr Adams also seemed to rule the possibility of the IRA men convicted of killing garda Jerry McCabe being released in return for the war-is-over declaration.

Asked about the matter, he said the men had already "courageously" removed themselves from the equation, but they clearly qualified for early release under the Good Friday Agreement.

The Sinn Féin president also said he believed it was only a matter of time before the DUP agreed to share power with his party as they had already conceded the principle during talks leading to last December's aborted deal.