Gerry Adams has warned that the Ulster peace process remains in serious difficulties.

The Sinn Fein president told supporters on Sunday that there would be "more hard choices, more hard decisions for Irish republicans" as the process continues.

But he rejected suggestions that IRA criminality is now the biggest obstacle to reaching a final agreement.

"The fact is that those who want the greatest change have to take the greatest risks," he said.

"Time and time again we have demonstrated our willingness to do this.

"Are we ready to do that again? Are we ready to take more risks, to step up to the plate and demonstrate again the courage and tenacity, which is the hallmark of Irish republicanism?

"I believe we are. I believe we must. I intend to return to this issue in the short period ahead.

"Our preparedness to act as the dynamic for change has brought the peace process thus far.

"Sinn Fein's peace strategy and the initiatives Irish republicans have taken are what have made the progress of the last 10 years possible."