Adams Outshines Mates in US Media Tour

Irish republicanism's Gerry Adams swept across America's television screens and newspaper front pages during his third day of meetings, outshining British envoy Michael Mates and further solidifying his position as a key player in the Northern Ireland conflict. Adams' extensive media engagements in Boston and Detroit showcased his charisma and eloquence, while Mates' efforts to counter him were largely overlooked by the American press.

Key Takeaways:

• Gerry Adams secured extensive media coverage in the US, including a nine-minute interview on ABC TV's Good Morning America, while Michael Mates' visit was largely ignored by the American media.
• Adams met with senators, congressman, and civil rights leaders, including Rosa Parks, during his tour, whereas Mates conducted most of his interviews with British news organizations.
• The contrast between Adams' and Mates' media itineraries highlights the significant difference in American interest in the two figures, with Adams receiving extensive coverage in dozens of US newspapers.
• British officials admitted they faced an uphill struggle in selling Mates to American producers, with one aide stating, "I'm not going to say that everyone knows who he is, because they don't."
• Adams' revelations about Sinn Fein's 12.5% share of the northern Irish vote surprised top management at the Boston Herald, with one senior editor commenting, "I doubt whether we'd talk to someone in our own backyard with only 12.5% of the vote."
• The Sinn Fein leader's growing international clout was reflected in his red-carpet treatment, including a warm editorial in the Boston Herald and a televised meeting with Rosa Parks.

Statistics:

• 12.5%: The share of the northern Irish vote commanded by Sinn Fein, according to Adams' revelation.
• 2: The number of parts in which ABC TV aired its nine-minute interview with Mr. Adams.
• 9: The number of cities on Adams' nine-city tour, which will include a visit to Washington next week.
• 1: The single US newspaper that mentioned Mates' visit, designed as a public relations effort to counter Adams.

Sources:

• Boston Herald
• Boston Globe
• ABC TV's Good Morning America
• CBS Saturday evening news
• Washington rumor mill