Adams: Devolution deadline must not slip

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said the timeframe for restoring the Northern Executive must not be allowed to slip.

The DUP has been making increasingly pessimistic comments about the prospects for a restoration of power-sharing, with Nigel Dodds saying last night that he doubted the March deadline would be met.

Speaking after talks with the Taoiseach in Dublin today, Mr Adams said the timeframe had already been put back from November 24th and must not be allowed to slip any further.

He also said Bertie Ahern shared his concerns on the matter.

Speaking in the North, meanwhile, SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell slammed the DUP's attitude and accused it of not caring about the increased bills faced by ordinary people due to direct rule from London.

He also said it was worrying that Mr Dodds' comments appeared to represent the attitude of the DUP as a whole.