SF: Queen's visit 'insensitive and premature'

Sinn Féin has described the Queen of England's State visit to Ireland in May as "premature".

The party said that there are many outstanding issues involving the British authorities that need to be addressed.

Yesterday, Queen Elizabeth II announced that she is to visit Ireland from May 17 to 20 this year.

The Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the timing of this visit as "insensitive" as it coincides with the anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

In a statement, Mr Adams said the British authorities have repeatedly refused to release the files in their possession on these attacks.

However, Sinn Féin's Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald says she doesn't think the Queen's visit will destabilise the peace process.