Gerry Adams has called for a new witness protection scheme as part of a replacement for the Special Criminal Court.

Sinn Féin says it would abolish the non-jury courts if elected to Government and has faced criticism for the stance following the gunning down of David Byrne in a Dublin hotel on Friday.

The Special Criminal Court was set up during the troubles - to remove the possibility of juror intimidation in serious crime cases.

Speaking on the hustings in Dublin today Mr Adams says it the system worked as it stands - Friday's shooting wouldn't have happened:
However, Fianna Fáil says Friday's shocking assassination is proof that the Special Criminal Court needs to remain in place to deal with organised crime.

Speaking in Dublin today, Party spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins said people are disgusted with Sinn Féin's rhetoric on ending the special Criminal Court: