SINN Fein has claimed that its president, Mr Gerry Adams, was held at a security check point in Co Down last night. Mr Adams and another senior member of Sinn Fein, Mr Gerry Kelly, were "detained and generally harassed" at a road block near Banbridge manned by soldiers belonging to the Royal Irish Regiment, according to a statement issued by the party last night.
Police are believed to have been called to the scene and Mr Adams and Mr Kelly were allowed to continue their journey after a delay of 45 minutes, according to the Sinn Fein statement. It is understood that the two men had been on their way back to Belfast from a party meeting.
A police spokesman declined to comment on the claims. "It is not our policy to discuss security matters," he said.