Adams: Joint partnership must continue if deadlines not met

The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle will meet in Dublin today where discussions will focus on the preparations for a successful return of the Assembly, Executive and All Ireland institutions.

The party is calling on the DUP to fulfill its election pledge having claimed to be ready for government - a platform that resulted in a massive endorsement at the polls.

The Sinn Féin leader says both governments have to proceed with the joint partnership arrangements if the power sharing deadline is not met.

"That's not the best option, I have to say. But it does present a way forward which allows the equality agenda to continue, which allows all the other rights to be put in place," Adams said.

"So, if Ian Paisley doesn't do the business, and I still hope that he will, then he will have to explain to unionism why he got rid of the only element which Unionism really valued - assembly in the North."