The Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has met former US vice-president Joe Biden in Dublin.

The meeting was billed as an opportunity to brief Mr Biden on negotiations to restore political institutions in the North at Stormont.

Issues surrounding Brexit and implications for the Irish border were also discussed.

Speaking following the meeting, Mr Adams said: "I lobbied for support for the proposition that the current US administration appoint a Special Envoy for the peace process and asked for his support in raising this issue with the Trump administration.

"We also spoke of the potentially very damaging effect of Brexit on the island of Ireland, and in particular the implications for the border and for the Good Friday Agreement.

"I briefed Mr Biden on the Sinn Féin position for the North to have Designated Special Status within the EU.

"This the position supported by the Oireachtas, the majority of MLAs and by the European Parliament."

Mr Biden has strong Irish-American roots.

During a six-day visit to Ireland last year, Mr Biden visited his ancestral homes in Mayo and Louth.

He also met with then-Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the President Michael D Higgins.