Mr Adams made the remarks during a speech to party activists in Belfast on Thursday evening.

His controversial statement comes against the backdrop of an ongoing impasse at Stormont between his party and the DUP over the devolution of policing and justice powers.

The Executive has now not met formally since mid-June.

The West Belfast MP's comments follow on from a similar speech in America in recent weeks.

"It is obvious that there are elements with the DUP who do not agree with power sharing and partnership as a political model or a practical politics," said Mr Adams.

"In addition, there are clearly elements of the DUP who really don't want to have a Catholic about the place. They are opposed to power sharing in any form.

"And some of them clearly believe that by stalling and delaying they can hollow out the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements.

"As a result of this opposition the DUP has been retreating from its obligations under the St Andrews Agreement."

The strongly-worded tirade by the Sinn Fein president also accused members of the DUP of using "abusive" language in opposition to nationalist demands for promotion of the Irish language.

"They (the DUP) have failed to embrace partnership government, they have run away from policing and justice obligations, they seek the retention of an outdated class based education system, and have sought to undermine the rights and entitlements of Irish speakers.

"And all of this is wrapped in the most abusive and offensive language," he added.

A spokesman for the DUP hit back, describing Mr Adams' observations as baseless and advised the Sinn Fein leader to focus on the actions of his own party.