Father of Gerry Adams Dies

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams today cancelled his involvement in Assembly election campaigning after his father died in hospital.

 Gerry Adams senior, a veteran republican and a former prisoner, died after an illness at the Royal Victoria Hospital in West Belfast. His son confirmed the news after pulling out of the party`s manifesto launch for the November 26 election.

The West Belfast MP read a statement from his family. He said: "My father died this morning. He was ill for some time and on behalf of our family I wanted to thank staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, our family doctor and all who attended to him. This is the second bereavement in my family circle in the last week. I will be cancelling public engagements at this time. I want to put on record that we appreciate the support and solidarity of colleagues and comrades at this time."

Mr Adams senior was a founder member of the Felons Association in West Belfast.

Last week, Gerry Adams` sister-in-law also died.

Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness expressed the party`s condolences to the family. The Mid Ulster MP said: "This manifesto launch is taking place under particularly sad circumstances with the death of our party president Gerry Adams` father. On behalf of the entire Sinn Fein leadership and all our party we want to send all our condolences to the Adams family at this time."