The Northern Ireland peace process will not work until Democratic Unionists engage with republicans, Gerry Adams has argued.

Speaking on Friday night, the Sinn Fein president insisted that his party was working with the government in Westminster to ensure a peaceful summer in the province.

But he argued that the Stormont assembly could not be restored without negotiations with unionists.

"Charting a way forward is possible if the governments create the right conditions for local parties to represent our constituencies and to build a way forward together despite our differences on many issues," he told activists.

"That requires unionism, and in particular at this time, the DUP to engage in a meaningful way with Sinn Fein.

"In fact for many within the DUP dialogue with Sinn Fein may be something they never seriously contemplated.  I can see why that would be so. 

"Given what we have all come through such a step presents huge issues for many people. Talking to opponents, making peace, accepting that the other person may have a point of view is a challenge.

"And not only for unionists.  It cuts both ways.  For nationalists and republicans, as well as unionists, we all have difficulties to overcome.  But all of us have to go beyond our personal feelings on these issues.  I believe that it is inevitable that we will do so.  Eventually.

"But unfortunately until we do the peace process will be in freefall."

The West Belfast MP insisted that Sinn Fein recognised the DUP's electoral mandate as the largest party in Ulster, as well as the need for inclusive dialogue with its assembly members.

But he argued that the present position of Rev Ian Paisley's party was not conducive to such discussions.

"Apart from the DUP demanding that the IRA do everything they want, all the political parties also have to accept the reworking of the agreement on DUP terms; and then when all this is done and dusted the DUP will be involved in some undefined form of government with the rest of us," he said.

"Little wonder there is little public expectation of an imminent break through given the unwillingness of the DUP to engage on a realistic basis and to seek an accommodation with nationalism based on the Good Friday agreement.

"This however is not a sustainable position.  The two governments must not acquiesce to it."