The Deputy Sinn Fein leader says it was inevitable that other responses developed up in the absence of a 'bona fide' police service in the north.

Mary Lou McDonald was commenting in light of a blog post by Gerry Adams, in which he described the IRA's efforts to fill what he called a 'policing vacuum' in the past.

He acknowledged the organisation often punished petty criminals, and shot alleged sex offenders.

He again refuted allegations from Mairia Cahill but conceded the IRA was 'ill equipped' to deal with matters like child abuse and rape.

Deputy McDonald says the IRA's system of justice was born out of a society in crisis, and communities with nowhere left to turn.