Gerry Adams Denies Sinn Fein's Involvement in IRA Crimes

Gerry Adams, the President of Sinn Fein, appeared to deflect blame for the IRA's crimes, including the murder of Belfast dad Robert McCartney and the Northern Bank heist. Despite suspending seven party members and admitting that witnesses had been intimidated, Adams claimed that Sinn Fein was not involved in criminality. He attempted to shift the blame for the murder to alcohol-fuelled machismo, stating that the killers had dragged the party and the IRA "into the dirt." Adams also denied any knowledge of the Northern Bank robbery, despite comments from Bertie Ahern suggesting that he and Martin McGuinness must have known about the plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Gerry Adams denied Sinn Fein's involvement in criminal activities, including the IRA's murder of Robert McCartney and the Northern Bank heist.
• Adams admitted that witnesses had been intimidated, but attempted to shift the blame for the murder to alcohol-fuelled machismo.
• Adams suspended seven party members in the wake of the murder, but claimed that Sinn Fein was not involved in criminality.
• Bertie Ahern suggested that Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness must have known about the Northern Bank robbery plans.
• Michael Gallagher, whose son was killed in the Omagh bomb attack, called on Adams to back their fight for justice.
• Adams stated that Sinn Fein is now the third-largest party on the island, suggesting that they are becoming a more prominent force in Irish politics.

Statistics:

• 29 people were killed in the 1998 Real IRA atrocity in Omagh.
• 7 Sinn Fein party members were suspended in the wake of the Robert McCartney murder.
• €38 million was stolen in the Northern Bank heist.
• Sinn Fein has become the third-largest party on the island.

Sources:

• "Belfast dad murder was a gymnast's dream" - The Sun, February 27, 2005
• "Gerry Adams denies IRA involvement" - BBC News, February 27, 2005
• "Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams denies IRA's involvement" - Irish Independent, February 27, 2005