Adams praises Kelly's contribution

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has paid tribute to former Assembly member John Kelly, who has announced that, for personal and other reasons, he will resign from the party and not seek reelection to the Assembly.

"John Kelly has made a tremendous contribution to the republican struggle over many decades," said Adams. "I would like to take this opportunity to praise John and his family for their commitment and dedication over that time.

"I wish John and his family well in the future."

Kelly first came to prominence during the 1970 arms trial, in which he was charged alongside the then Irish government minister Charles Haughey.