Protesters target Irish minister

Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell was targeted by protesters

Anti-racism protesters in Belfast have tried to shout down the Republic's justice minister, Michael McDowell.

Mr McDowell was in the city at the invitation of SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell, the party's election candidate in South Belfast.

At a function in a hotel members of the Anti-Racism Network vocally outlined their opposition to the deportation of asylum seekers in the Republic.

Sinn Fein have also said Mr McDowell should not visit during the election.

Party president Gerry Adams attacked the visit.

"His visit proves what we have been saying all along about Irish Government attacks on us: it is all about elections," he said.

"I would like to think now that he has electioneered, he will accept the outcome of this election and he will accept the mandate given to our party."

As I understand it, that is going to take some months. But the fact that it is taking place I welcome and the idea of trying to rush it in a week or two is not necessary Bertie Ahern

The SDLP leader Mark Durkan told BBC Radio Ulster's Talkbak programme on Tuesday that the visit of Mr McDowell was not part of the election campaign.

He said the attitude of Irish politicians towards the SDLP simply showed it "occupies a unique position in Irish democratic life."

"It's a powerful endorsement of what we mean to the politics of this island," he said.

Mr McDowell said republicans were being "partitionist" in objecting to visits by Irish ministers during the election campaign.

Meanwhile, Irish Taioseach Bertie Ahern has said the IRA will need several months to decide whether it will cease violence.

The paramilitary organisation has been urged by Mr Adams to end its armed struggle and to embrace democratic politics.

"As I understand it, that is going to take some months," Mr Ahern said.

"But the fact that it is taking place I welcome and the idea of trying to rush it in a week or two is not necessary."