On Tuesday, the Speaker's Office had told the BBC that it was its understanding that Mr Adams had not applied for the crown position and therefore remained an MP.

BBC: John Bercow says Gerry Adams is not an MP

Mr Trimble called on Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein to clarify the position, following a statement by General de Chastelain that the IRA had stated the context in which it would "put its weapons beyond use".

BBC: NI peace in 'serious' trouble

On Monday, he called on Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein to clarify the position, following a statement by Gen de Chastelain, that the IRA had stated the context in which it would "put its weapons beyond use".

BBC: News Online

Writing in the Belfast Sunday Life newspaper on Sunday Gerry Adams said he was now in the difficult position of shuttling between the IRA and others in an effort to avert the current crisis.

BBC: Critical week for Northern Ireland

Sinn Fein's southern ambitions help to explain why Gerry Adams, the party's leader, has chosen not to taken a position in the Northern Irish executive.

ECONOMIST: North meets South