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Sinn Fein

Gerry Adams Faces Snubs in US Amid I.R.A. Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein, arrived in New York for his annual St. Patrick's Day trip, where he faced snubs from the White House and Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a long-time Sinn Fein supporter. Adams downplayed the significance of the snubs, suggesting that the peace process would not be determined by a White House meeting. However, the I.R.A.'s recent acts of violence and Adams's party's association with the I.R.A. have led to calls for the I.R.A. to disband, complicating Adams's efforts to garner support from Irish-Americans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein, faced snubs from the White House and Senator Edward M. Kennedy during his annual St. Patrick's Day trip to the US.
  • Adams played down the significance of the snubs, stating that the peace process would not be determined by a White House meeting.
  • The I.R.A.'s recent acts of violence and Adams's party's association with the I.R.A. have led to calls for the I.R.A. to disband.
  • Adams expressed hopes that the I.R.A. would disband in a dignified way, but warned that forcing it to do so could create a more radical replacement.
  • Congressman Richard E. Neal warned Adams that he risked losing American support if the republican movement became more radicalized.
  • Congressman Peter T. King stated that it was time for the I.R.A. to stand down in order for the peace process to progress.
  • Congressman James T. Walsh maintained his meeting with Adams, acknowledging the importance of dialogue.

Statistics:

  • 2005: The year in which Mitchell B. Reiss, Mr. Bush's special envoy on Northern Ireland, called for the I.R.A. to disband.
  • January 2005: The month in which Robert McCartney was killed in a Belfast pub by a group that included members of the I.R.A.
  • 6 women: The number of women from the family of Robert McCartney who have been leading vocal protests over his killing.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, Adams Plays Down Snubs in U.S., Saying They Will Not Harm Peace Process, March [no date given]
  • The New York Times, Representative Gives Adams a Warming, but with a Sting in the Tail, March [no date given]

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