New York Mayor slammed by IRA victim after declaring '˜Gerry Adams Day'

Bill de Blasio honoured the former Sinn President during a St Patrick’s Day breakfast in the United States on Saturday.

Mr de Blasio is reported to have said that Mr Adams “did not accept injustice and he fought against it”.

He added: “He understood there was no place in this world anymore for colonialism and he fought against it... great ideas never die.

“I want to honour him for pursuit of a goal that makes so much sense - a goal for a united Ireland.”

Ann Travers, whose sister Mary was murdered by the IRA, tweeted in response: “In the meantime New York Lord Mayor tramples on the graves of IRA terrorist victims and those with life changing injuries, by declaring March 17th St Patricks day, “Gerry Adams” day @BilldeBlasio #shameful”

She added: “Planning a trip to New York? Remember @BilldeBlasio New York Lord Mayor has named the 17th March (St Patrick’s day) Gerry Adams day, a man who still justifies today IRA terrorisim . #shameful”

She received a number of supportive tweets, including from Ulster born MP Kate Hoey who said: “Is it any wonder pro Union people in Northern Ireland do not feel any USA envoy to help with ‘talks’ would be impartial!”

South Belfast MP Emma Little-Pengelly tweeted: “Well said Ann - terrible act by @NYCMayor , even more shocking for a city still in the shadow of the appalling terrorism of 9/11. Terrorism is wrong - deeply hurtful & offensive by Mayor de Blasio”