US behaviour partisan says Adams

Gerry Adams accused US administration of partisan behaviour

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has attacked the US administration for what he called its "partisan behaviour".

He spoke out ahead of his arrival in Washington where SF plans for a gala fundraising breakfast have been changed because of a ban on fundraising.

Mr Adams, who has been granted a visa but denied the right to fundraise in the US, took the unusual step of criticising the Bush administration.

He is invited to the White House for the St Patrick's Day celebrations.

It is the second time within recent months that Mr Adams has been denied a fundraising opportunity.

Friends of Sinn Fein have decided to proceed with their gathering involving Mr Adams, but have agreed to refund donations for the breakfast to meet Washington's restrictions.

Mr Adams also attacked the British and Irish government's handling of the peace process, describing Dublin's role as "disappointing".

Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey will host a breakfast in the US capital on Wednesday.

Irish premier Bertie Ahern and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain are also taking part in events.

The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended in October 2003 following allegations of a republican spy ring at the Northern Ireland Office.