Adams calls for sanctions review

Spotlight is on the future of the NI assembly

The Sinn Fein president has urged Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble to review his sanctions against republicans and save the province's political institutions from collapse.

Gerry Adams said the first minister was operating an "exit strategy" to force another suspension of the Northern Ireland executive.

He was speaking at Stormont on Monday during an assembly debate on the executive's programme for government.

Mr Adams, the MP for West Belfast, said he wanted equality for Sinn Fein ministers, who have been banned by Mr Trimble from attending North South Ministerial Council meetings.

Mr Adams referred to David Trimble's "exit strategy"

The move, sanctioned by the Ulster Unionist ruling council on 28 October, was one of a number of measures aimed at forcing the IRA to "significantly re-engage" with the body overseeing decommissioning.

However, the Sinn Fein leader said: "You cannot have an executive, you cannot have an assembly putting together the type of programme for government if the first minister has already commenced an exit strategy and, in his own words, where he differs only from his party political opponents on a matter of tactics."

He added: "Well the answer has to be made very, very clear that the first thing we need in any government is a government of equals. It has to be based on the principle of equality."

Mr Adams then made an appeal to Mr Trimble.

He urged the UUP leader to "review, to reconsider, to step back from the process which he has commenced because the only conclusion to what he has begun will see not just suspension but the collapse of these political institutions".

Sinn Fein has warned that it is prepared to take legal action over the ban which affects health minister Bairbre de Brun and Martin McGuinness, who holds the education portfolio.

'Louder than words'

However, Ulster Unionist Michael McGimpsey accused Mr Adams of a "cheap republican rant" against the UUP leader.

Also speaking in the assembly, he said: " When is the republican movement going to re-engage with the IICD (International Independent Commission on Decommissioning) and begin putting all its weapons beyond use in a complete and verifiable manner?

"Actions speak louder than words."

But the UUP's move has also angered nationalists, with SDLP Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon expressing his opposition to the move.