Future of Stormont in the balance - Adams

The future of the North's political institutions is hanging in the balance, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams claimed today.

We have made it clear...we are opposed to the establishment of any shadow Assembly with scrutiny committees or scrutiny powers. This is not the Agreement
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams

Ahead of a meeting with the Taoiseach, Mr Adams said he was concerned at the approach of the Government to efforts to restore the institutions.

Mr Ahern is also meeting the SDLP and the Alliance Party at Government Buildings in Dublin today.

The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are expected to meet in Armagh next Thursday to make an announcement on the way forward.

Mr Adams said that Dublin was not tackling attempts to renegotiate sections of the Belfast Agreement.

"We have made it clear in our discussions with the Irish Government that we are opposed to any dilution of the Agreement, or to the establishment of any shadow Assembly with scrutiny committees or scrutiny powers. This is not the Agreement," he said.

"The future of the political institutions now hangs in the balance."