Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams yesterday praised killed IRA members for their "extraordinary calibre".

"Many died on active service against the British forces, some at the hands of loyalists, others as a result of tragic accidents. They were prepared to put their lives on the line in pursuit of that noble cause," he said.

His comments are expected to be ignored by Tony Blair, although Irish premier, Bertie Ahern, will use them in the coming election to enforce the view that a Sinn Fein government is unsustainable.