Adams receives death threats from loyalists

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has received a death threat from loyalists, it was revealed today.

Police told him of the danger posed by a splinter paramilitary group called the Orange Volunteers.

The same organisation made similar threats to Sinn Féin junior minister in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) Gerry Kelly and Education Minister Caitriona Ruane earlier this week.

A spokesman for Sinn Féin said: “This latest threat comes on the back of other threats against senior party figures...while Gerry will take this threat seriously it won’t deter him from carrying out his work as an elected representative.”

The Orange Volunteers emerged following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and vowed to target republican prisoners released early following the peace accord.

Commenting on the Iris Robinson controversy earlier today, Adams said that his party is focusing on ensuring the political institutions worked.

“The failure of the DUP to fulfil its political commitments and work the political institutions, as it agreed, on the basis of partnership and equality, has led to a considerable lack of public confidence in the political institutions,” he said.

“This is not about the Robinsons’ private family matters. Sinn Féin respect their right to privacy.

“It is about implementing outstanding political agreements that are essential to good government and public confidence.”