Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin has criticised Sinn Féin, claiming the party "remains as unreformed and as unsuitable for government as ever."

He was reacting to news that Gerry Adams has announced he will step down as leader next year.

Mr Martin said Sinn Féin has always been about putting the Provisional movement first.

He said: "The party is much more than the person and the party remains as unreformed and as unsuitable for government as ever.

"I take no satisfaction in saying that, 20 years after the ceasefire, Sinn Féin is unacceptable for us as a government party.

"As our members reaffirmed at the Ard Fheis, for Fianna Fáil they are not and will not be a possible partner."

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams after speaking during his presidential address at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in the RDS Dublin | Image: RollingNews.ie

However, Gerry Adams is optimistic when it comes to his party's future.

"Republicanism has never been stronger. This is our time. We will grow even stronger in the future.

But leadership means knowing when it is time for change - and that time is now", Mr Adams told Ard Fheis delegates in Dublin on Saturday.