SINN FÉIN LEADER Gerry Adams is in Washington today for a round of talks with Obama administration officials on the state of the Northern Ireland peace process.

Renewed efforts on re-starting the stalled negotiation process to settle issues like the past, parades and flags are beginning this week, in the wake of last weekend’s local and European elections.

Speaking last Friday, former US diplomat Dr Richard Haass said he would not be involved in the fresh efforts.

A process chaired by Haass stalled at the start of the year, after his proposals were rejected by the DUP, the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance party.

Speaking as he departed for Washington, Adams said his proposals offered a way forward for the North.

“Outstanding elements like a Bill Of Rights, Acht na Gaeilge and other issues such as dealing with the past, parades and flags, must be delivered upon,” the Sinn Féin leader said.

Martin McGuinness will meet with all political leaders in the North to seek to avail of the small window of opportunity that exists for progress between now and the Orange marching season.

“Further delay on these issues would inexcusable.”

The Northern Ireland peace process will also be top of the agenda at a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore and NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers in Dublin later today.

Read Haass will not be involved in Northern Irish talks

Read Tánaiste admits ‘on-the-runs’ controversy has ‘derailed’ progress in the North