Video: Haass proposals endorsed by Sinn Féin

» Mark Moloney

"One thing is absolutely clear, Richard Haass is telling the five parties in the North that he wants to see this draft implemented. He is not looking for a renegotiation."

GERRY ADAMS has accused the DUP, UUP and Alliance parties of being out of step with popular public opinion over their failure to support the Haass proposals.

The Louth TD was speaking in Cassidy's Hotel in Dublin where the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle voted to support the document, the seventh draft proposed by US diplomats Dr Richard Haass and Meghan O'Sullivan, which aims to deal with contentious issues such as parades, commemorations and the legacy of the conflict.

Gerry Adams also pointed out that the proposals are a 'a compromise position' saying his party are "disappointed that issues like Acht na Gaeilge and the development at the former Long Kesh prison site, which were part of previous agreements, were not advanced."

He went on to criticise the unionist parties for allowing their positions to be guided by elements outside of their own  parties, including pressure from the Orange Order, fringe loyalists and UVF elements.

Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA said it was time to hear the Irish Taoiseach, British Prime Minister and the US President express their support for the Haass Proposals:

"One thing is absolutely clear, Richard Haass is telling the five parties in the North that he wants to see this draft implemented. He is not looking for a renegotiation."