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THE PSNI HAVE have been granted an extra 48 hours to question the Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in connection with the murder of Jean McConville.
Adams was arrested at Antrim police station on Wednesday night after presenting himself to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for questioning as part of their investigation into the murder of the mother-of-10 in 1972.
He has been in custody for two nights.
At a press conference in Belfast this afternoon, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness said there has been “political interference in the policing and in the justice system”.
Source: Screengrab via Sky News
He said that there is has been a “very deliberate attempt to have an impact on those elections” on 23 May as he maintained the Sinn Féin stance that there has been a political motivation behind Adams’s arrest.
McGuinness slammed “cabal” within the PSNI who he said have “a negative and destructive agenda to both the peace process and Sinn Féin”.
The North’s deputy first minister added: “We, under the leadership of Gerry Adams, have no intention of allowing these elements to succeed.”
Asked if he believed that his party leader would be charged in connection with the murder, McGuinness said: “I believe that Gerry Adams will be totally and absolutely exonerated”.
But he warned that if Adams were charged, Sinn Fein might “review” its support for the PSNI.
McGuinness accused the “dark side” of policing for conspiring with republican enemies of the peace process.
‘No evidence’
Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford of the Alliance party, said there was “no evidence” of political policing.
“There is no reason why the police carrying out their proper duties in the proper way should cause any political instability,” he said.
Unfortunately, it appears that the kind of comments which are coming from some politicians may contribute to that.
Adams has reportedly been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows police to question suspects for up to seven days without charge provided a judge agrees.
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At the end of the day, It’ not what you know, It’s what you can prove in court.
If it can be proven that he had something to do with what happened, then charge him.
If it can’t be proven then they have no choice but to release him.
It”s literally that simple.
Exactly! All these fanatics on both side with their conspiracies on one side and presumption of guilt on the other
You also need to drink water or you will die! Sorry is that stating the obvious too?
If Gerry is charged they will ‘review’ their support for the PSNI. There you have it.. SF will support the police only when it does what they want.. And the accuse others of political policing .. Total hypocrites.
IF Gerry Adams is charged ,gets found guilty and gets sent to jail?????.
That will be the end of Sinn Fein as a political party in Ireland….
They will never be trusted no matter what they say ever again…
Eh, no it won’t. As long as theres no main party representing the people of Connolly, Sinn Fein will have many a vote. They will also always have a good following in the 6 counties.
Fluich it…where did you hear that? You just make that up? But you said it so there you have it, must be true
Might be no harm reading the article before you reply? McGuinness is reported in the article as having said they might have to review their support of the PSNI. I am disappointed at Sinn Fein here. Surely if they truly do as they say and say they have no connection to the IRA, then if one of their members is proven guilty in this regard then the party should distance themselves from this person? If this happened then surely they would get more votes.
Exactly Fluch, we all know this , but boy was I amazed at Mcguiness for actually saying it, the feathers are ruffled , rushes of blood everywhere, do they know something we don’t , is this story going to grow legs in the next 48 hours, I sense a major shock .
I texted some I know quite well ( a no bullshit journo). He says they have been told nothing. Bit of a non story, but said I’d say he’s rightly f***ed.
Spammin, still pretending to be a disaffected Labour voter? You are one of many Sinn Fein activists who patrol these boards with your nonsense. And no, I won’t be posting links and proof. Your posts are dripping with agendas. Lol. Connolly!
This whole arrest of mr Adams seems to me to be cynically planned by the opposition in northern Irish and southern Ireland ,the three sellout parties must be very ,very worried about Sinn Fein in the forthcoming elections .Why isnt Brian Cowan in jail being questioned about the deliberate bankruptcy of our country ,why has Cowan and his cronies in Fianna Fail ,Labour and FG not been arrested ,THEY are guilty of TREASON ,they have allowed an utter invasion of our country ,THEY have fed our country to the wolves ,ARREST Kenny and Gilmore charge them too with treason .GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH ,OUR COUNTRY IS NOT FOR SALE .THEY DIDNT DIE FOR NOTHING ,ARE YOU LISTENING LABOUR ,FF AND FG
Now is the time to really look at Sinn Fein’s values and see why so many people are moved to vote for them despite reservations. The real hypoxia is that parties down south won’t share power with Sinn Fein but they expect tr unionists.
The DUP and Sinn Fein are running things quite well up there too don’t you know.
John…i heard the interview. Sf are not going to withdraw support for the psni.
Thanks for the laugh pstapo
The DUP and SF have NEVER run a budget surplus….EVER. Nobody who can read votes for them on their economic policies.
Saul what laugh ,can you tell me what is so funny
Tom what countries ever have a surplus
Well said!
@pstapo Ireland ran a budget surplus for many years including pre boom years. In fact it was the rainbow coalition who had our first budget surplus of modrrn times.
They will be reviewing their position because this was pre Good Friday agreement. British soldiers have been dissolved of blame and therefore it should be the same for sf. This doesn’t mean I agree with what has happened but the an agreement is an agreement. If he is charged it completely nullifies the psni and their neutrality
Pstapo take a chill pill – that post is ridiculous, what age are you? If you’re still in national school your forgiven
If Adams is charged it will mean that there is evidence to connect him with crime, nobody is above the law.
Sinn Fein is the oldest political party in Ireland top cat. I very much doubt that in the unlikely event of his imprisonment it will mean the end for Sinn Fein. Members have been imprisoned in the past you know. And leaders. And the party is as strong as it has been for many years. Take one down and there will always be another to take their place. History has proved that.
According to the history books the Irish Labour party is the oldest continuous political party. This Sinn Fein movement was formed in 1970 after a long ceasation Since the original party was formed in 1905 the present Sf party has little to connect itself with the original party apart from using the name.
I hope this will lead to both a review if the ‘dark elements’ that may be within PSNI, that leading figures from other sides are also arrested and questioned on last atrocities, and that the truth be revealed and votes given in support or against…
At least Martin admits his part in the war. Now we no why Gerry denies every thing. Even knowing about his brother Liam. Both he and Mary Louis will damage the cause and goals of the movement
Adams denies ever having been in the IRA.
Therefore, if they feel they have enough evidence to launch a trial, he should face those charges without any reference or protection from the Good Friday agreement.
Cowen didnt abduct a mother of 10, in front of her kids, and then shoot her in the back of the head.
If; But; why; small words but mean so much and can cause such much trouble.
Either did any of the sitting members of Sinn Fein.
Shut up with your backwards views. Gerry Adams is *probably a murderer. Then why not charge him? Why not at least see if it’s right?
Gerry isn’t covered by the Good Friday Agreement, he wasn’t a member of the IRA.
@damien Knox,
But the damage has been done, those who want to derail the peace process, and return to unionist dictatorship in Northern Ireland , have stood him up and accused him of a serious crime, on the run up to to two very important elections,
this will be a major set back for Sinn Feins evolvement as the the dominant political leadership in Ireland. The question is who stands to gain most for this charade,
Enda Kenny, unionist extremists and the British elite,
Once again Ireland will be prevented from achieving its full potential as a sovereign independent nation because of a handful of meely mouthed gombeen politicians in the Dail, who are more interested in lining their own pockets, than the welfare of the country
No he didn’t. But he did destroy a country through his pig headed arrogance
Well then he can’t be charged with an IRA murder either.
There really are so many experts on the Jean McConville murder case that I’m surprised that it’s taken until 2014 for any seismic shift in the investigation. If only they had all went to the RUC or PSNI sooner!
Alas, and here’s the thing, I don’t believe that the vast majority of these self-appointed experts care too much about the long suffering of the McConville family. Make hay while the sun shines. This is too good an opportunity to miss.
Anyhow, let the media trial of Gerry Adams continue for another few hours and then we’ll hang him in the morning: guilty without charge, prosecution or conviction, no need for judge nor jury.
And when we’re done, I’ll eagerly watch as the baying crowds turn their enthusiasm towards hunting down those soldiers, policemen, intelligence officers and government ministers who also conspired and engaged in the murder of Irish people in the last forty years. But I’ll not hold my breath.
You mean quick, look over there?
How is he a government troll? You better tell the journal police and let them know there is a government spy doing the rounds.
Yes, this has an air of Nixonian nobbling of the opposition.
im on it Liam!
The thing is there will be a lot of people with egg on their face if he’s released without charge.
On the subject of execution without trial, 1600 people were unavailable for comment.
What about….?
Will that defense ever stop?
“Lads, I know I murdered that person and all, but just look at what Hitler did. What about him?”
Ciarain , there Tiss again ” there was more than us at it” ye all definitely were on a Cource last week, Tiss being tossed out all over the place this last few days, and to insinuate that people are not genuinely disgusted by the murder of a mother, and the plight of her orphans, is a bit low, not everyone who would like to see these murderers brought to justice has an anti Sinn Fein agenda, I’d say it’s just plain decency .
No. I mean that if there is enough evidence against Gerry Adams then the PSNI will rightly charge him and legal proceedings will follow. If convicted in a court of law then very well. If he is exonerated then very well.
It is in the aftermath of this that I’d like to see the media, politicians and other commentators adopt the same energy and furore that has followed this case and apply it to every single other unsolved killing of the conflict.
That is, if this is indeed the road we are going to go down.
Bellend and gilmore must be pleased somethings moved the irish water debacle..and the bank inquiry off the main news..
And by look of things the other 1900 don’t have a voice either.
No there won’t My Views. These are no more than political hacks with multiple aliases sent out to troll comment forums. The truth is the last thing they are interested in.
La mon comes to mind. Bloody Friday, shankill, ect. All civilians no warnings. of course. No Ira according to Gerry & Marty. Would do such a thing. But Gerry your day has come
Jesus he won’t want to look at another snack box again after the last few days!!
Gerry should shave his beard and then he’d be a bare faced liar
Longest “meeting” on record
…I wonder is Celine Dion being played on repeat in Mr Adams cell… “This is getting serious
Are you thinking ’bout you or us…”
Gerry should’ve told the PSNI that he has asthma.
I’d say it is harder for the police. “Please sgt Samuel Robinson I did not interrupt you. This is a smear campaign. The siteeeeation is I had no hand act or part……… bla , bla agus ba mhaith liom caint leat as gaelige le do thoil”
If Adams is convicted or removed from the leadership of Sinn Fein think of the knock on effects both up north and down south.
Up north the CIRA and RIRA ranks will multiply and there will be no going back to the peace process for these people.
A return to the days of shooting, bombings and murder would be a certainty.
Down south either McDonald or Dotherty will take control of SF and then watch their ranks multiply both at ground level and in the dail.
Adams is the key without him the north would turn to sh1t and we’d end up with SF in government
Chris, I think your predictions on the republic are way off the mark. MaryLou, Pearce, McLoughlin, Tobin have blindly followed the SF mantra and seriously questions their ability to think independently. Pearce and MaryLou both have come out with the “political policing” nonsense further damaging their credibility. Sinn Fein are seriously damaged goods…
Michael
It is quite clear that this is not a nice chat over a cup of tea and the PSNI must have a considerable amount of evidence over which they have been challenging Adams for such a considerable period of time.
The outrageous accusation by the Party that the PSNI are behaving like a cabal and then separately the Deputy Leader here in the Republic making a definitive statement that Adams arrest was purely political is nauseating.
Are Sinn Fein telling us that due process is to be ignored and A savage killing of a young mother after horrific torture which left damage on her skeletal remains are to pushed to one side?
Are we really that clueless?
Isn’t it obvious that Mary Lou should not have been left in charge as she’s not up to the challenge and Martin hasn’t behaved any better!
“Joe Rice, a Belfast lawyer who has represented senior Republicans over the past three decades, said the tapes would be of little evidential value but would offer a lot of “probative value”, meaning police could play them and demand that Adams respond to details in the recordings.
Rice said Adams had presented himself voluntarily for police questioning and would not have expected to be arrested”
“It looks like his legal team are surprised that he was detained overnight. I would have thought that if it was to be a pre-arranged questioning, as I understand, he probably didn’t need to be arrested,” Rice said” – that’s from the Guardian.
Also – Any decision to charge Adams would be taken by Barra McGrory QC, the director of public prosecutions in Northern Ireland, who has acted on behalf of Sinn Féin in the past and who has a reputation for being scrupulously fair.
People from the SF side have raised concerns that this is the, to quote McGuinness the “darker side of policing in the North”. Perhaps there is a concerted effort to bring Adams down in lieu of the election – I don’t know. It’s hard to believe that, and I don’t against a backdrop of this investigation being live and ongoing for quite some time, and with Ivor Bell charged only a few months ago, logic alone dictates it’s likely is nothing to do with the election.
Either way, Adams toxicity has now reached the point whereby hi political ambitions in the South are over, and there is no going back whether he is charged or not. This arrest means the end of SF spin on the matter, and Gerry’s political death warrant.
The question is who will take over SF. Mary Lou is exposing herself badly at the moment and if he is charged, she will be badly hurt for defending him vehemently, She’s seriously in danger of looking like the old guard at this point. Not good for Mary Lou.
Interestingly, Doherty has kept his cards close to his chest by comparison. Personally, he would have always been my personal preference to take over (not that I have any stake in SF).
Doherty, to me, is the one that should, and can lead SF into the next GE – and if he does imo – they will become under his leadership, a serious political force to be reckoned with and I’d have no doubt they will be in government after the GE under him.
Mary Lou just doesn’t cut it imo.
Richard – How are things in the Toronto area ? See you eventually got your Mayor to sign himself in for treatment from smoking all that crack !
And how is the craic with you Richard ?
Is your Fine Gael Cumann going well over there ?
Have you had any recent transaction with your Isle of Man Bank Accounts ?
Are you still not paying your Corporate and personal Taxes in dear old Ireland ?
Have they Jailed any Bankers in The Isle of Man or Canada recently ? Or do they have the same low standards as we have here in dear old Ireland ? …….Richard … A chara
Niall – Why in the FG blogging Department do ye keep churning out the same blogs in every piece of Press on the Adams Police interviews ?
Do ye not have any bit of imagination there to invent more Blueshirt propaganda ?
You’ll never walk alone Gerry,hold your head up and don’t let the b**tards grind you down. The political wing of the PSNI obviously have nothing.
Gerry has a lot of skeletons in the closet
Ciarraioch – I’m sorry fella. But, I cannot take you seriously, despite the fact I’ve tried.
I’d prefer to deal with werejammin, Brendan (invisible man since Gerry’s arrest) Fallon, or a few others that can hold there own like adults, instead of making childish posts and retorts with you.
Niall – it’s hard boring work with the Blueshirts Blog Department , but I feel sure that Denis O’Brien’s sponsorship and political donations will see you well looked after financially !
Did you see where Brian Cowan has joined Denis’s Team ? He should be a great help to you – he knows all about FF skeletons in closets !
Ciarraioch, even your trolling is shit. Sober up.
Poor old Kerryman…clutching at straws with silly remarks and comments…you cannot defend the indefensible. This was an innocent woman, a mother, kidnapped, tortured murdered and buried like a dog by Republicans…this arrest is about this heinous crime…nothing political as your second in command has stated…Do you consider what happened to her murder or just a “death”?
Kris you couldnt care less about jean mc convilles murder. Youre another well known sf hater.
sinn fein have already sold their souls, they’re as bad as the rest of the muppets in the dail. a vote for sinn fein is a vote for more of the same.
Having seen Ciarraioch in action one too many times, he’s a delusional party hack. The likes of him would be better off leaving when Gerry does.
Odd, via his own ignorance and blind allegiance, he proactively gets in the way of his own party moving forward to greater spoils.
He is one of the biggest party hacks I’ve ever seen on these boards. He may even be the biggest. At least Seanie Ryan makes the occasional post worth reading, perhaps 1 in 20, and even Ritchie Rodgers above can bring himself to make a handy post from time to time (when he’s not drowning in his own arrogance).
But Ciarraioch can do neither.
Idiot
@Niall O’Sullivan. Ciarraioch is right. You keep spamming every news article with the same rubbish. Give it a break.
KKK – I thought that you were still on the gin & t’s, singing all day ?
These are great times – reading all the Rightwing Bloggers feeling orgasmic at the prospect of spiking Gerry in the set up !
But I suspect that your Blueshirt ambitions might come apart shortly !
That said the positive effects of the last few days have attracted so many film news crews to Belfast – I’m being told by some Belfast friends, that the whole plan of the UK and Unionists , will come completely apart by Sunday evening , either way, with dreadful credibility consequences for the PSNI, or are they still really the RUC ?
Why not make a counter point Collin, and deal with the points I made.
And, btw, tune in on Monday morning when many of the columnists in the national papers will likely be saying the same thing.
Logic dictates this. Anyone with even a passing interest in politics could make that prediction (or many other plausible alternatives). Why don’t you make one. And no, I’m not spamming the boards. I’m making a point and you are welcome to refute it if you wish.
Ciarraioch is spamming the boards. Non stop. He posts utter tripe.
Ciarraioch, the paranoid kerryman, you are not representative of me or a lot of other fellow kerrymen, you are an embarrassment to my county, were you even born here and regarding donations i’d question where ye got yere own own political, sorry that was a misnomer, DONATIONS from.
Doc – My golly the Blueshirts are buzzing tonight ! Are you all on overtime ?
Even Michael Collins would be ashamed of you all , supporting the Dissidents in the Six Counties !
So were blaming the dissidents now Ciarraioch, it’s always someone else isn’t it, you definitely wont be receiving a text from your your buddies in UCC and re: ml. Collins your not fit to mention his name.
You’re
He is probably need more in the South of Ireland right now .By the way DONT mention water charges,DONT mention the rape and pillage of our country by foreign nationals,DONT mention this utter invasion of our country ,Dont mention this monster EU ,DONT mention THE BANKERS who have just got off scott free .Guys if any of you love your country then BOYCOTT THESE EU ELECTIONS ,send a message to these gangsters here and in Brussels we want out ,speak up by not voting
eh Collins supported the dissidents in the six counties.He was murdered by your shower before he got a chance to help them. don’t be insulting irish heroes with false comments
TY for reading my comments doc,have you anything to add
iLuvKief who is your crowd
This is a democracy pstapo and you’re entitled to your views and to exercise them, I fundamentally disagree with them as is my right, are we up to date now.
Doc we are NOT a democracy ,if we were you and I and the country would have had a say on this Blanket Bailout eh sorry takeover by the Germans .That my friend is not democracy ,when Labour and FG lied to our people on BONDHOLDERS whom to this day we dont know who they are ,why should our country be impoverished by these corrupt politicians and corrupt Bankers ,if you want to send a message to these gangsters then BOYCOTT these EU elections in may ,by the way whether you agree or disagree i welcome your views
iluvkief if that was for FG fanboys on here, you are correct.
The bigger picture here is that SF are soaring in the polls, and will probably continue so, both north and south. The establishment doesn’t like this at all, and they will pull out the stops to stem the tide. Will it work, time will tell.
Wuhoo. Some clown is now blaming bondholders for the murder.
They will soar Jamie – but then they will hit a ceiling for 20 years minimum,
Unless, of course they can bring people people over.
FORGET about the short term elections. SF will do very well, That’s a given But there is a bigger picture.
Ciarraioch
There is air of desperation in your posting and I am very happy to tell you that I enjoy excellent relations with Government Canada, the Manx Authorities and the Irish Revenue. I pay all my taxes and those of my employees on time and in the appropriate jurisdiction.
I don’t recall any political Leader within this State being arrested over the abduction torture and murder of a young woman and your contribution to the discussion is to imply dishonesty on the part of others. Even more damaging to your Party is the fact that you do your sniping under a false name like a flag of convenience or a balaclava!
These last few days have exposed the cracks Curry and Mary Lou has also show how inadequate she is for the task ow that Dear Leader is so damaged. Even in the North the Deputy First Minister has reverted to type.
Keep up the abuse Curry as it only damages you more.
Sorry Kerryman, too busy working…so it’s all a conspiracy against Kim Jung Adams….you Provos…ever the victims….he is obviously helping the PSNI with their enquiries if his stay is being extended by 48 hours…could he finally be telling the truth?
Not sure of your exact point Luke, but I agree they will do very well at the elections.
@Ritchie Rodgers keep it up your still making me laugh with your delusions! Mr Adams will be back to keep the free staters honest!
What about Ciarraioch? A cowardly little nameless runt that is an embarrassment to any party, himself, and also humanity.
If anyone in SF is familiar with him, can they do the rest of civil discourse and humanity a favour and get rid of him. If he was disappeared, I’d doubt anyone would care.
Haha mean’t Niall, genuine mistake.
Damaged Goods How ? Please Explain. Where is your justification in stating that Sinn Fein are damaged goods ?
Have not the labour / fine gael also themselves been blinded by their leaders SYRIAN style policies… if you are going to blame one you need to look at all and pass judgements, but never throw stones at glass houses, why is it the British have never seen fit to have an enquiry into multiple killings of northern people and have either dismissed the process or brushed it under a union jack carpet.
Come on man , wake up and get up you fool
Ritchie – I think the lad from Kerry has been beaten badly enough at this point. He got the shit kicked out of him from all fronts, He deserves to be verbally beaten a whole lot more.
He’d also do well to remember I post under my own name – and he doesn’t.
Ciarroch or whatever he calls himself – is the Jackie healy rae of these board.s.
Hope he’s proud of himself. Frankly. He’s a dope.
yes and a few buried on the beach
So Richard Rodgers – an admission after Four Weeks dragged out of you !
Now what is the purpose of The Isle Of Man based BANK ACCOUNTS ?
Please explain as to why a Big FG Supporter, who bases himself in Ontario , Canada, would be doing that bit of what sounds like , stroke Banking !
Now Niall , don’t get so upset .
I enjoy the banter with you very much. But you are taking yourself way too seriously .
I doubt if Enda even reads your blogs ! He is much to busy persuading his puppy Gilmore to accept the water charges , for what’s left of his Labour voters and Party !
Paul Mc
There is one certainty at the moment and that is the fact that no Shinner is laughing at the moment foe any reason as they know they’re damaged.
Ciarraioch
It’s actually exceedingly simple. I own a business on the isle of Man that employs a lot of people and I live in Canada while being an Irishman I regularly go home. Is this too complicated for you or do you need more information to understand plain English.
Somehow to you Shinners those of us who emigrate to make our futures are traitors but you crowd do come every year to shake you buckets at us in the Irish Clubs across the great US and Canadian cities.
I must ask my friends to make sure you’re less welcome in future.
Richard – why don’t you (1) run your business in Ireland (2) Pay your taxes in Ireland (3) do your banking in Ireland ? instead of it all being conducted in part of the UK ?
Shouldn’t a patriotic Irish person always be trying to promote jobs here in Ireland , pay your taxes here, like the rest of us ?
I am not condoning the awful callous murder of Jean Mc Conville, but isn’t it just strange how the right-wing Dublin government and their media outlet RTE take some of what Brendan Hughes said about G. Adams at face value, but conveniently forget that Hughes also said “Mrs Mc Conville was an informer” The IRA apparently intercepted radio transmissions and traced them to a transmitter at her house – It is also very strange how the British have a specially extended period of time (2050 I think) before releasing what they call their ‘War Dairies’ on this incident?
Meanwhile British soldiers that slaughtered Irish citizens – walk.
I just hope the peace process holds together.
Pádraic Ó Braonáin, isn’t it funny when supporters of SF blindly believe Martin & Adam’s every-time they say they had no involvement in anything going on in the IRA,
Isn’t it funny how Gerry & Martin are perfectly fine with IRA bombers basically receiving immunity (no more then 2 years in jail under good friday agreement) for the people they murdered, yet Gerry & Martin want people brought to justice for crimes against civilians.
Double standards much? Isn’t every victim entitled to justice? Why is it acceptable for only some murderers to receive immunity?
What have our government got to do with this? The PSNI are the ones talking to him.
I’m not one for conspiracy theories but the timing of this is awfully convenient from the government’s point of view. I’ll eat my hat if any charges result on this occasion.
She was exonerated by Nuala O Laons ( police ombudsman) office which is completely independent. She was not an informer. Her crime was coming to the aid of a soldier who was dying. This is a war crime that needs to be investigated fully. She was dragged out of her house as her children were screaming and holding on to her. She was murdered and dumped away like a dog. This was a sick war crime.
Spot on Liam, its nothing to do with the Irish Government or the Gardai,
So you say the IRA ‘apparently intercepted radio transmissions and traced them to a transmitter at her house ‘. Well that’s all sorted then.
martin join the dots like a good man
Anyone who knows anything about this story knows that the timing of Gerry Adams arrest has nothing to do with our little elections.
Firstly, the timing of Gerry’s interview was his own.
Secondly, the real impetus behind the renewed investigation centres around the arrest of Ivor Bell.
SF would want to stop spinning as it is making them look very desperate. This has nothing to do with our election and everything to do with the murder of Jean McConville.
Yep, even though there’s no evidence of this apparent trace, apparently in many people’s eye’s that conspiracy theory justify her murder in their eye’s. What sick sick people think her murder is ok
BTW I lived through those times, when informers were passing names of local men on to the British army, and this info then passed on to the “loyal” catholic killers – Many good men died on their doorsteps as a result.
I say again – I’m not condoning this awful crime, but tensions at the time were extremely high on all sides. British involvement in recruiting ‘touts’ give no thought to the inevitable final outcome.
murder is not ok you muppet and I never suggested it was…learn to read properly…if gerry adams is guilty charge him…if hes realeased without charge will you be on here saying you were wrong?
Do you think Kenny, and especially Alan Shatter are not smiling right now – job well done Eh??
So Marcello, you accept what Brendan Hughes said about Adams as gospel, but not what he says about the transmitter? Cherry-picking on the facts eh?
Martin I don’t know how calling into question the timing of this arrest can be seen as ‘justifying’ Jean McConville’s murder. And your concern isn’t with the victim either but with the potential glory of Gerry Adams being found guilty of involvement in her death.
Wharaboutery again.
The head of Sinn Fein has been arrested for murder. Party loyalists can spin it whatever way they want, but middle Ireland is going to have an issue with it.
Can you imagine the the head of the Republican party or Democratic party in the US fighting a murder investigation?
It is a conspiracy, and the timing is on purpose, the PSNI did this intentionally to ensure sinn fein don’t gain seats on both the Ennis And Tuam Town Councils.
It’s obvious.
Exactly. A witch hunt. What will Ennis do now?
This request for an extension of time confirms what I suspected all along – that the PSNI is, and was always heavily infected with sinister RUC types.
The delusion of Sinn Fein supporters is intense.
Haha Simon brilliant!! That pretty much sums up this conspiracy theory
Enda Kenny – the PSNI is indeed heavily infected by RUC types and you are some fool to think otherwise.
Therefore if Brendan Hughes was telling lies when he said she was an informant, is it not strange that we take his accusations about Adams at face value. (When it suits our political agenda)
Ah Padraig, what a surprise that having qualified your statement with” I am not condoning the murder of jean McConville ” you go on to condone the murder of Jean McConvill . Le do thoil….
“The head of Sinn Fein has been arrested for murder. ”
Stop spoofing david. He was arrested for questioning. We still don’t know what charges may be brought, if any.
@Sean. Correct, and you rightly call this a Murder. The most we get out of Adams and Co. is it was “Wrong” and never once used the M word which might prove to be incriminating at a later date !
Padraic, you are claiming that you don’t want to try to condone her murder, but at least two of your posts are attempting to do that by saying she was an informer and suggesting that informers deserved to die.
Disgusting, and it shows why so many people will always have a problem with Sinn Fein – if somebody can think that such brutal murderous tactics are ever acceptable then I personally can never support them. In my view it is a deep fundamental logical and moral flaw which means that I could never tolerate such people having the reins of power.
You are right ‘Were Jammin’, sure it could be for a parking fine.
So what if she was an informer? Does that mean it was ok for the IRA to kidnap her in front of her Children and murder her?
Absolutely not Ruaidhi – this was an awful crime.
So therefore Brendan Hugh’s account to the Boston diaries is incorrect and should not be used as basis for arrest never mind charges. Ivor Bell will be pleased to hear that.
Eel Knack, I thought I made it clear that this was a terrible crime. What more could I say and still remain balanced? One has to see it from both angles. The IRA volunteers thought she was a informer and they say they had evidence, Brendan Hughes says there was a transmitter – was he lying – If he was lying then maybe he was also lying about Gerry Adams – I don’t know.
Men were being shot as a result of leaks from informers – I can understand the anger involved in that and the need to plug the leak.
Look at another horrible case in 1922 for example. In Cork, the local IRA murdered/killed not one, but 10 suspected informers after finding a British military note book with the names listed as “helpful citizens”. The ten were rounded up and shot dead – Horrible, I think they could have just been driven out of the country instead and told never to come back. But then, maybe that’s easy to say – what if one were there on the day, and angry at friends and other volunteers being lost, I don’t know what I would do in that case to be honest.
I believe Mary Lou termed it a “murder” earlier this week.
After labelling it a ‘death’
And condemned it on the late late show…..
i love to imagine them in court. they’ve killed well over a million people between the last four of them(bush senior, junior,clinton and obama)
First I want to state that the murder of Jean McConville is a shameful moment in the history of the troubles. I feel however that it would be wise to question why it was that the RUC closed Jeans McConvilles case in 1973 after receiving information from the British army that she had run off with a British soldier and was living in England. This was obviously in the best interests of MI5 if in fact they knew or supplied a radio transmitter. I also do not understand why her children have not come forward before now with the names of the 4 women who took their mother. I can understand their fear when they were younger, but they are all grown men and women and if that happened to my mam, well I wouldn’t have kept that information to myself for this long because I’d feel like I was colluding with her abductors and murderers.
@were jammin “He was atrested for questioning”….seriously? Since when has “questionning” been an offence. He has been arrested on suspicion of his involvement in the murder of Jean McConville. Tell the truth for Christ’s sake!
Adams is finished as serious political leader in the South.At this stage he’s damged beyond repair.Southern Sinn Fein need to ditch him if it wants to continue to grow it’s support in the Republic.
And his blind fan club…
Southern Sinn Féin? Last time I checked, and correct me if I’m wrong, Sinn Féin were the largest all-Ireland party (‘challenged’ only by the Greens).
An all Ireland party, with one set of policies in the North and another in the South…
Compared to the other political parties in the 26 counties one set of policies before an election another after
Well said Fiachra.An inconvenient truth for SInn Fein supporters.Anybody who believes Sinn Fein have a coordinated All-Ireland political strategy is clearly delusional.Sinn Fein has clearly demarcated into a Sinn Fein South and a Sinn Fein North with different political strategies for each constituency.
Apologies Fiachra. Fianna Fáil and yourself should really show Sinn Féin how to engage in all Ireland politics. Sure fight the upcoming elections in the North and let me know how you get on with the electorate.
There is no such thing as ‘all Ireland’ politics.That’s hogwash.There is only Republic of Ireland politics and Northern Ireland politics.
That’s the issue though. Sinn Fein north and south of the border are going different ways. North Sinn Fein is in power and cares about the north. South Sinn Fein is a populist opposition which talks about austerity and not the North.
They aren’t the same thing. Voters in the south are not the same as voters in the north and they want different things from Sinn Fein.
Fiacra or European. Would either of you like to expound on these different policies that have become the mantra anti Sinn Fein policy recently.
Have you noticed how mary umplumpa has stated to distance herself?
If Adams walks from the PSNI station without being charged will that be an end to it? will Irish Govt & it’s media still engage in a “no smoke without fire” narrative? you bet they will, so called respected journalists including Vincent Browne say they know the truth so it’s time they waved the protection of sources excuse for once & come forward or shut their mouths
Paul – just because Gerry was never convicted of IRA membership doesn’t mean he wasn’t actually a member. There isn’t really anyone sensible who doesn’t actually believe that he wasn’t a member of the IRA. If you say you don’t believe he was ever a member of the IRA you are either incredibly naive or lying.
Equally, just because lots of Brits were never convicted of murder doesn’t mean they were never guilty of it.
BTW if he is charged, will you accept the legitimacy of the that charge? Presumably, the answer has to be yes, since you appear to be assigning significance to his not being charged.
Actually – Gerry’s repeated denials of his IRA membership now makes a lot of sense. If he ever admitted to membership, it would have linked him to this murder.
Paul, the truth is it is very difficult to touch this guy. The police in the North probably knows full well of his background than we do. They are not stupid at all but it is impossible to touch high profile people generally. You see a lot of news of high profile people getting away with wrong doings. I am amazed at the amount of people really believe that he has no involvement in NI troubles and that he was an angel ! There are people who believe he was a saint !
Hmm…
Max Clifford got 8 years from the same judge who did this:
http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/practice/fraud-trial-collapses-over-legal-aid-cuts/5041044.article
Lock him up and throw away the key
Not without a fair trial….
The lads in the kangaroo courts never got a fair trial!
Lock him up and throw away the cell.
There is no doubt gerry adams will be let go and i dont say that as a sf supporter. These tapes are not enough for a conviction and there is no other evidence like DNA. The police know this all too well
Agree how can anyone utilise the evidence of two persons who have passed away it’s highly prejudicial as they can’t be cross examined on same, and of course circumstantial at best. Unless the psni have other evidence gleaned from the arrest of Ivor bell or something more concrete I imagine he’ll be released without charge. Having said all that being released without charge isn’t unusual and charges can be preferred later, people seem to forget that.
I agree Ruairi and it is why I personally though he would have been released long before now. As Joanne said the only thing I can think of is that the Ivor Bell interview turned something up.
Well we will know soon enough. If he is out without any proof. Personally i would if him demand the psni make a statement to fact he is no longer under suspicion and exonerated in media.
Roll on 8 oclock.
Well Karen, 8 o clock has arrived. Ohhh, you mean 8 o clock on Sunday night?
Doesnt mean anything. Just means they still have nothing as not charged.
I meant if charged or let go.
My comment stands for another 48 hours.
Curious how long can they ask for extensions without evidence or charging?
There is going to be many annoyed people tonight and unsettled tensions.
So which is it journal,He was arrested under the terrorist act 2000 and can be held for up to 7 days? Or they keep on asking for extension as merely questioning.
Can someone clear this up please.
It’s the legal process Karen. Nothing curious. Gerry is not getting special treatment. He’s being treated the same as all murder suspects…
“He was arrested under the terrorist act 2000 and can be held for up to 7 days? Or they keep on asking for extension as merely questioning”
Both. Entending for up to 7 days.
I’m pretty sure this is also the terrorism act that makes it illegal to not answer questions. In other words denying your right to remain silent or the British equivalent of ‘plead the fifth’.
Thanks. I am not very good with laws and the arrest process and the likes.
Didn’t say he was oreilly. I asked because i didn’t understand how he is meant to be arrested on one thing (that states can be held for 7 days) Yet then have to apply for extension. I assumed if allowed to hold for 7 days. You didn’t have to ask for extension.
Truly extraordinary for a leader of a major party in a Western democracy to be arrested on suspicion of involvement in such a heinous offence. It’s also amazing how long this guy has been leader – in any other party in a democracy there would be leadership move him on. Just as having any one party in power for too long is unhealthy, the same applies to a leader.
I doubt there will be too much damage electorally from this but without this guy surely Sinn Fein would have far more appeal to the more moderate voter. Just getting the angry vote won’t be enough, any party with aspirtations of power needs the moderate vote. Even his buddy McGuinness might be more acceptable, or Lou McDonald.
I wonder was it him that gave them the tip off about the explosives they found in Belfast yesterday
It’s almost irrelevant whether Adams is helping or hindering the SF vote. Unless he is completely exonerated – and I mean properly exonerated, not just released without charge – he is now political poison. No one will go into coalition with SF led by Adams. If by some chance they ended up holding the balance of power, FF and FG would rather do a deal with each other than allow themselves to be contaminated by this.
I would rather have Bertie back (god help me) than that Mary Lou Mcdonald plastered across my TV every evening.
One thing I would say is that the newer generation of Sinn Fein recruits seem to be more intellectually in-tune with the rest of the world as opposed to the Celtic jersey wearing lager louts that are stereo-typically associated with the organisation. They must be spinning some yarns in the student unions and universities around the country.
Gerry is an iconic hero who has fought for ireland his whole life, what he has done for our country will never be forgotten. Whatever happens with Sinn Fein, his name will live on.
Mary Lou will soon take over
Yes Emily, it would be difficult for any leader of FF or FG to forge a coaltion with SF as long as Adams remains. But anything is possible when it comes to power.
He must have an absolutely iron grip on the party after so long in charge. It is possible he is so convinced of his own invincibility and righteousness that he simply can’t see the benefit of himself stepping down.
Sinn Fein officially held the position of “L’etat, c’est moi” for many years while he was leader. With that sort of thinking ingrained as dogma, it’s hardly difficult to imagine why he sees his interests as indistinguishable from the party’s interests.
You’d be hard-pressed to explain why Mary Lou and Pearse Doherty fall for it, though.
Emily…you are very niave…FF would do deals with anyone to get into government
I think you are right Emily, this will prove to be the beginning of the end for Adams’ leadership. That in mind I thought Mary Lou showed serious naievity in her statements yesterday. It was an opportunity to distance herself from Sinn Fein’s past. it was noticeable that the likes of Pierce Doherty, a far more savvy operator in my opinion, were not to be seen.
Emily, how does one get “completely exonerated”? Properly exonerated?
What is your recipe for exoneration?
What would it take to convince you that he is innocent of——-wait a minute—he hasn’t even been fecking charged with a crime. How do you exonerate someone not charged with a crime?
Correct, you cannot prove a negative. I could accuse emily of burying money up the wicklow mountains and it would be impossible for her to exonerate herself as how can you prove you DIDN’T do something.
Because of this the burden of proof would be on me, not emily. Just as Adams does not have be exonerated from something that has not been proven against him.
We’l know soon enough whether theres any substance to this (unlikely) or whether its the establishment both sides of the border trying to drag sinn fein back to the past (likely)
People have short memories or else dont know much about Irish history .Fianna Fails Dev and Fianna Gaels Collins where no angels and while history has put them on a lofty perch in their day they where instrumental in the killings of countless numbers of their fellow Irishmen. In my humble oppinion in the future Gerry Adams will be up there with the great statesmen of this country ,he is without doubt the only living true political leader in the Dail who puts this 32 county island of ours first not his own greed or ambition.
Sure Jason, he’s a terrorist right? Guilty until proven innocent? Then again you Americans would know all about terrorism, being the worst of the worst since the soviets won WW2 for ye. And ye list every war since. Ye like fighting backward 3rd world countries and when anyone fights back their terrorists. Can ye do us all a favour and f@ck off back stateside and take Yere war mongering bulksh1t with ye?
* Jurgen *
Whatever Riddle, nice deflection. Interesting you mention WW2 though. Correct, the Soviets did the heavy lifting, but Uncle Sam did most to liberate Western Europe. And I hope you realise the IRA didn’t help in fighting the Nazis – in fact they collaborated with the Nazis. They wanted the Nazis to win. Great, eh? Oh, and the IRA were happy to take cash from the Nazis too. Collaborating with Fascists – stay classy IRA. And stay classy Riddle.
Paul
What sycophantic nonsense. Adams is no different to any political leader in a democracy where his Party is run by an Army Council as Sinn Fein preferred to call it. Could you imagine a heave against the Dear Leader and expect there to be no knock on the door or rat a tat tat consequences.
Paul your myopic view of what makes history and heroes needs considerable social and academic adjustment.
None of the iconic Leaders In the early development of this State were ever arrested and held in a serious crime unit for questioning about the abduction and murder of a young mother.
Rodgers as usual you are a deluded fool.Adams will be back to serve his country in the best interest of its people not the chosen few in Fine Gael or Labour.
Apparently the anti-SF Adams mob are citing the Boston tapes as “proof” the Adams was complicit in the murder of Jean McConville. One of Adams accusers was Delores Price who supposedly names Adams as being involved. Today the Daily Mail has printed a story http://tiny.cc/qdm8ex which says that Price gave a video interview before her death. In it she says
“She (McConville) went on and on about “them provies, they wouldn’t have the balls to shoot me… I don’t care what I did”. I was saying to myself, “please don’t say any more”, but she went on and on – she convicted herself out of her own mouth. It wasn’t my decision to disappear her, thank God.”
Now this throws up a very interesting few points. The British government has always maintained that McConville was never an informer but Price states that “she convicted herself” .If this is the case then the British government denials and the assertion that McConville was not an informer and just an innocent woman are blown completely out of the water. If the British government want to use these tapes (which they probably can’t) then it turns the abduction and murder of an innocent woman into the abduction and execution of an informer. It also begs the point as to why the British and Irish Governments as well as the pro-loyalist commentators on the Journal are siding with dissident Republicans in their pursuit of Gerry Adams. I know that FG/Lab and FF supporters are terrified of SF’s rise. This can be seen by the disgraceful remarks by some of their activists over the last few days who have tried to use her murder for political gain. Of course when you see the likes of Kenny and Martin doing the same in the Dail what do you expect.
“Execution of an informer” ? It was a disgusting murder of a young woman who had children.
Its unlikely, but think about this for one moment as a what if situation.
What if Jean McConville daughter named Gerry has somebody involved in her mothers death?
What would Martin & Co be saying then?
“If” is an illusion.
She could name Pope Benedict as being involved, does not mean there’s supporting evidence to back up the claim necessarily.
Martin
what if she doesnt…will you accept that?
What if Gerry admitted something??
What if monkeys flew out my backside?
I have no intention of going anywhere near your backside……….
Well someone may as well. Benedict was responsible for the covers ups of enough sexual abuse and child rape which resulted in many of those unfortunates taking their own lives from the psychological torment.
Listen
if gerrys guilty charge him, convict him and throw away the key… simple as
Sean South, will you accept that Gerry Adams,arrest and detention is political policing at its finest.
Martin R
I agree…I have no problem if gerry is guilty lock him up and throw away the key…but something smells fishy
Well Martin the onus is then on her to prove that he did it. Deciding whether someone is innocent or guilty based on someone else’s opinion is a very week way of establishing fact.
In Fairness Gerry will endevour to persevere for a 32 county inclusive Irish society when he is released without charge.
Liam, innocence or guilt is traditionally based on the opinion, informed opinion, of 12 good men/women in a court of law. If Adams is released without charge it means the PSNI believe they have insufficient evidence of wrongdoing – at this time – to proceed to a formal charge. It will not mean he is exonerated. If he is charged, then the process of establishing innocence or guilt, in a court of law, has begun and will have a formal outcome. Being released without charge would leave the case open for PSNI to take further action at some future time, should evidence come to light that makes that move appropriate.
That’s how the Law works. This is an ongoing investigation, not a trial……….except in the media, of course; but not necessarily by the media.
Joseph Siddall,
If you constantly judge a fish on it’s ability to climb a tree, it will spend it’s whole life thinking it is stupid.
Any chance they could keep him permanently?
He must be proving very helpful…
would you like to have a bet that hes charged o’reilly or are you just going to spout sh*te?
O Reilly is a blue shirt. Right wing nut
O Reilly, Gerry Adams is a very astute man and having come through the conveyor belt system of arrest interrogation/ torture etc,that once passed as RUC policing in 6 counties, it is difficult to see why the Psni now need an extension to this arrest. In the modern era these interrogation/torture tactics have changed, so it very unlikely they are hoping for a signed self incriminating statement from him. 48 hours to basically say he knows nothing of these events. Someone playing this out for alternative motives. Political policing is back I’m afraid.
Bowe, extensions are typically sought when police have credible evidence…
Nicole
Why do you insult those who have a different view to yours. As a Sinn Fein activist is this something they imprint on you in training groups.
How would you behave if you had any of the levers of power in the Republic.?
I really believe you let yourselves down badly all of the time .
Theresa Villiers on Six One News looks like she’s getting less sleep than Gerry Adams.
She did look unwell.
Pity Gerry was never in the IRA, their anti-interrogation training would be very useful now.
Sounds like PSNI have presented Gerry with evidence he is finding difficult to explain.
Not surprised to see Sinn Fein so dismissive of the integrity of the police force, and instead are throwing dirty accusations around about everyone except Gerry himself while, as members of the NI Government, making veiled threats about supporting the PSNI.
I was going to vote SF in the upcoming elections, but now that they’ve shown their true colours haven’t changed: NO WAY.
Sounds more like they have nothing on him.
Then he would have been released.
Haha johngahan, you have been one of the biggest anti sf commenters on the journal over the last few months. Pull the other one. You fool nobody.
And if they’d evidence against him they’d have charged him.
Haha Ruairi Colton, you have been one the biggest pro sf commenters on the journal over the last few months. Pull the other one. You fool nobody.
I guess you cancel each other out.
Jennifer, my post was in reply to johngahan saying he was going to vote for sf but wont now. So i guess that cancels your reply out too.
If they had evidence he would have been charged by now. Like Ivor Bell I expect him to be charged with this and then after several years of legal jiggery pokery the case will be dismissed on ” lack of evidence” basis. It was a well used tactic by RUC throughout the conflict and known as “holding charges”. Internment RUC style.
No, they’re going fishing…
They can hold him up to what–28 days without charge?
That will get them through the elections.
They must be frightened to death.
What have the elections got to do with this? It is a murder investigation.
If he’s release tonight or tomorrow, without charge, what will you say then?
I will say someone came to their senses.
I’d say that’s fine. I trust the police to conduct their investigations properly, as should all parties involved on the policing board.
Seamus, conveniently the narrative will suit either way. SF do have a knack for that
Liam I wasnt asking you
And Liam I agree with you…
Sinn Fein clearly think the elections are more important than a horrific murder investigation.
Life remains of little value to them when it comes to political ambition.
Id say nothing if released with out charge.
Majority of people who end up found guilty of crimes are released initially without charge while a file is send for inspection to the relevant prosecution service.
Simon I’m asking the conspiracy theorists in SF who say this is all FG, FF, Lab, PSNI, Garda, british govt collusion against them to hurt them in the elections
If he’s released without charge how can they play that card? Of course if he is charged it’s another matter. The conspiracy will remain alive then…
Are Sinn Fein such a group of headless chickens that they can’t function without Dear Leader in their presence, telling them what to do from one end of the day to the next?
Do you not think Sinn Fein supporters would be galvanised by Adams’ incarceration, rather than fearful it will show him up for the nasty peice of work he is?
I’ll say that he is responsible for murder. Being released changes nothing!
Life??? What are you on about johngahan??? This government doesn’t give a flying one about the lives of the ordinary people, on whose behalf they are supposed to govern. The governments only ambition is to pay bankers and bondholders at the expense and lives of ordinary people. You and the rest of the political hacks trolling on here couldn’t give a damn about the murder of Jean McConville. You are using the death of this woman as a political football to discredit Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein to try and nullify the threat Sinn Fein is poses in the coming elections.
PSNI have had Gerry for 2 days. If they’ve not found anything by now, then they probably won’t. Time for Gerry’s release. Besides, he’s not stupid, he’s did this drill before while at the Maze. Anyroads, whether ya like Gerry or not, at what point do ya say that by him being detained for longer than normal is a violation of his human rights? And before the nay Sayers jump in, stop and think of how many times the shoes been on the other foot. It works both ways, for men ya like, and dislike. Turn Gerry loose PSNI. If and when ya get real evidence against him, then go get him.
How do you know they don’t have ‘real’ evidence? I love this SF supporter mantra. You all seem to have a lot of information in this case. Suggest you call into a PSNI station and hand it over. The PSNI legally are allowed keep him in for another 48 hours. No violation of human rights, that is for the family who have been denied justice for so long. Sinn Fein would do well to shut up and let them get on with their questioning. This whole stance of it being political paints them to be a bit paranoid. If McGuiness is seriously thinking of withdrawing support for the police, then it begs the question of how much did Sinn Fein regard the structures of the GFA in the first place?
They’re both good men but I don’t trust them gerry adams looks like a school head master and Martin mcguinness looks like a clown without make up
So Greg do you trust Enda, or Shatter, how about Eamon or the Rabbit, do ye trust any of these honest and glorious men?
Fool
I’d trust them more than adams
Nobody watches Alan Partridge on the journal so
Is Gerry Adams a liar? Well let’s put it this way…very few on the average industrial wage can afford holiday homes in Donegal.
But lots of other accredited authors have way swankier holiday homes all over the world.
But I don’t think Dan Brown or Stephen King claim to only draw the average industrial wage.
@tom neville: He has at least 8 books published that get snapped up by the diaspora, as well as all over the island.
You reckon he doesn’t get paid for this, or do you have evidence of income from other sources you’d like to share with us?
Fair play. I’m all in favour of capitalism and if wee Geraldine makes money from his fiction, fair play. But wee Geraldine claims that he only earns the average industrial wage. His claim, not mine. Are you calling him a liar?
We know that Gerry has never sued anybody who claimed he was a senior IRA figure. If someone lied about me on tv I’d sue and collect a nice fat cheque.
Tom, the people who made the accusations are dead and they also hated gerry adams
Tim Pat Coogan, Michael McDowell, Paul Williams, Gay Byrne…dead?
Are you really dropping paul williams and gay byrnes names?
Absolutely. Why wouldn’t Gerry sue? He could sue hundreds of people.
And what solid evidence would any of those named have. There is a world of difference between journalistic conclusion and evidence. And from reading here thank Christ for that.
Well if they don’t have evidence, why didn’t wee Geraldine sue them?
Actually journalists aren’t exempt from being sued if they say something defamatory…so your point is complete bollox.
Yes, we all fondly remember gay byrnes time as an embedded reporter during the troubles….on the set of wanderly wagon.
Indeed Were Jammin, though given your form I’m surprised you agree with me.
Gerry Adams is a brave Irish patriot with the courage of his convictions. The 26 counties is too mired in “corrupt hoodlums” posing as government and the fact that we are now a German/IMF vassal state. This is an RUC political hatchet job.
Ah shut up with your shite.
Says a pot to a kettle.
Eloquent response from the far right.
Shut up with your shite. People in the north have every right to support Sinn Fein and Gerry Adams if they chose. These men fought for the civil rights of Catholics in the north when southerns turned a blind eye and watched them being treated like and told they we’re second class citizens! If it wasn’t for the IRA and Sinn Fein Catholics would not hold the privileged positions they hold today. The troubles were a nightmare but unless you lived through it don’t spout your crap about Martin maguiness or Gerry Adams. Go back to reading the indo…or may I suggest you read a history book and perhaps form an opinion yourself and not just what rte tells you to believe,
Niamh, what has any of that got to do with this country?
To some of you this country is still 32 counties.
Looking forward to Gerry’s imminent release without charge. Better stock up on Jelly and Ice Cream!!!
And the rest of us have to get our affairs in order….
Keep it in ice. You’ve another 48 hrs to go…
So long as they keep questioning him he cant be out campaigning and it also makes it look worse in peoples eyes.Thats the impression the establishment want to give. Are they going to question anyone in relation to the other 3,000 murders or does this just apply to one murder 42 years ago.
Well this is the proof that the whole thing is politically motivated. Shame on the FG FF axis colluding with the British and Loyalists. A bad day for peace
How exactly is it proof of that. Please explain with facts?
Here is a fact: A man has been arrested in connection with a murder. Presumably based on some evidence or other. There is currently an application with a judge to extend the period of custody. Presumably with evidence presented as to why they want to do that. We’ll see how that goes.
Do you think police shouldn’t do their jobs depending on who the person is? Or do you have facts that show the police have no grounds for their actions?
Please present your facts on that and on how this is politically motivated
How long has it been since this killing took place? Why now so close to an election is a member of the Dail , an irish TD being held by the PSNI and after 48 hrs they need more time ? Surely if they had evidence Mr Adams would of been arrested and charged years ago or as in this cuerent internment, charged as soon as he walked in the door of the RUC sorry PSNI. Its politics against Sinn Féin , and Gerry Adams. You can believe whatever you want. He won’t be charged they haven’t any evidence to convict.
I dont ‘believe’ anything Patrick. im just looking at the facts.
Its a BIG fup up by the psni if they have zilch and will only galvanise support for SF in the event it’s shown their party leader was detained based on nothing.
Let see how it plays out without all the conspiracies and without presuming guilt too
Fact. This arrest is on back of unsubstantiated allegation made by Brendan Hugh’s to Boston Uni.
Fact. The British have already rubbished this allegation by denying that half the yarn is false. Ie that Jean mc Conville was an informer.
Fact. The same police force has 100′s of witness accounts of 14 murders for the past 4 yrs. statement gathered by a full enquiry that lead a conclusion of justified deaths. Not a single arrest in those 4 years.
Fact. The Boston diaries have been with this police force a matter of months and there has been several arrests and 1 charge.
If that ain’t political policing please tell me what is???
How do you know what the detention is based on? Have the psni contacted you and shown you their files?
If it is based on tapes alone then sounds like they’re making a right fc*k up
Fact – your facts are not facts. Fact – by writing ‘fact’ in front of a lot of nonsense does not convert that nonsense into fact. Fact – this also applies to my facts.
Well the Psni spent a few years in American courts fighting for access to these diaries. Within weeks of receiving them they had been making arrests in this case and have charged Ivor Bell. After 42 years it doesn’t take a genius that the new impedous is the diaries.
Thing is M Bowe. Would you trust the very people who were against and are against the peace treaty in first place? Not to mention dead people aswell.
Isnt that one dolorous a anti peace treaty supporter?
Rather than type the word fact at me would you point out which is not fact and give some credence to your rant.
A bad day for peace? Seriously? Worse than the days of Enniskillen and Warrington?
Has Gerry declared himself a political prisoner yet? Has he shat on the walls in protest?
I bet he didn’t envision the prospect of spending the long weekend in chokey!
“I’m not a SF supporter but…” has become the new “I’m not a racist but…”
Extremely poor form and unwise of mc guiness to threaten to withdraw support for the policing service up there. How does that look internationally? The fact that the police were granted another 48 hours means that there are grounds to do so. This is a decision that would not have been taken lightly by a judge up there especially given the international media interest.
Peter, you post common sense. Are you sure you’re on the right forum ?
I need another 96 hours to dig up Kilkenny and see if the devil is really buried there.
With Sinn Fein it’s always somebody else’s fault, and people in SF know who carried out the hit and who ordered the hit on Jean McConville and they need to come clean. Stop lying
Her children know the names of the 4 women who took their mother from their home but have kept that to themselves, they should have come clean long before now, if it was my mother I most certainly would, I would go to the ends of the earth to seek justice for her regardless of any threat on my life.
Martin on about a cabal in psni . Is he having a laugh he in the biggest cabal in Northern Ireland . The Ira
So Gerry Adams is arrested and held for 48 hours and he has not been charged. Why? Because they have no evidence nor did they learn anything new from Gerry in order to do so. The reason the PSNI are seeking another 48 hours is so that they can gather evidence after the fact in order to charge him.
Evidence such as affidavits from Rogers and Gilroy who made public statements implicating Gerry Adams in the crime and who are now refusing to swear these affidavits.
So it seems that in law the police can arrest someone without actually having any evidence and then detain them while subsequently attempting to obtain that information in order to charge them after the fact. Hmm…that was called internment, which is an illegal detention and contrary to ECHR 2003.
The last time I saw such a load of legal nonsense in three paragraphs, it became an EC Directive.
Nice to try and behind the law when they’ve spent years ignoring it.
Emily, I am unable to respond to your rhetoric so I would be grateful if you provide me with some substance to allow me to respond in a rational manner as I do not engage in unsubstanciated slur’s
I also believe that peace is only forever if all off the parties adhere to it and if they do not then peace is not forever. The man who gave us peace is now in jail and the people who have locked him up are the same people who he managed to humiliate into allowing the attempt of creating an equal society in Northern Ireland, which they now resent. This is state sponsored revenge.
The Irish government should be very careful in what they are attempting to design here, is it for political gain to crumble the peace process? Their ignorance in their lack of defense regarding an Irish TD who is locked up in a ‘foreign’ country without charge is indefensible and opening the door to the end of the peace process.
Does the word process not ring a bell in peoples mind? A process which is ongoing and to illegally detain the main principal in this process is an act of treason and a cause for a resurgences in violence. DO YOU WANT THAT?
I hope he sues for damages if he gets off the hook.
I think your use of “off the hook” shows what you really think. :)
MARTIN McGUINNESS TO GIVE GERRY ADAMS FAMILY ROYAL PARDON RELEASE http://goo.gl/RjJSzX
I am just waiting for one of the shinnerbots to say that “this could damage the peace process” and that SF won’t be responsible for the IRA’s actions.
They dont have evidence and applying for more time shows this to be about politics not justice.
Or they have a lot to get through maybe?
Thánaig a lá!
Hope Jean is enjoying the unfolding drama and that she finally gets her killer(s) taken to justice. R.I.P.
I am absolutely appalled and disgusted at Martin McGuinness suggesting SF might withdraw support for the PSNI if Adams is charged in connection with the murder of Jean McConville.
What is this statement trying to do? Intimidate the police force in to releasing Adams? It looks like SF are trying to have political influence over the force which is exactly what they’re accusing everyone else of.
To think this ‘man’ ran in the Irish presidential election is despicable.
Absolutely delighted. Well done to the PSNI. Show no fear or favour. The tired old brainwashed mantra is pathetic from the SFers still free. It’s never too late for justice and let us hope this family will get it soon.
Waiting to see the next red c poll. Difficult to say at this point if the arrest has helped or hindered SF.
I hear it is helping, but I’m not a pollster.
How do you know it is either helping or hindering?
SF represented all Catholics in NI.
Not middle class Catholics.
SF represented all Catholics in NI except middle class Catholics.
And priests regularly denounced their violence from the altar.
SF represented all Catholics in NI except middle class Catholics and priests.
And aspiring working class Catholics didn’t like them
And Catholics married to Protestants didn’t like them.
And Catholics who abhorred violence didn’t like them.
What’s religion got to do with it ? you can be a protestant nationalists
Just rolling out the usual Shinnerbot nonsense.
While all murders should be condemned, especially one so brutal, let’s not forget about those committed from the other side- and the collusion of the authorities involved. What arrests have been made in respect to any of these? Any RUC members arrested for their collusion? Any British paratroopers arrested for their killing spree in Derry on Bloody Sunday? The list goes on. It seems we could
Be going back to the days of nationalist sub-ordination just because Sinn Fein are gaining a lot of popularity both sides of the border. Opposition panicking much? If anything, it is making me more determined to vote Sinn Fein!
Adams is the most sinister, most psychotic man I have ever met.
Did you meet him, Tom?
The state failing to come clean on atrocities that their agencies and armed forces are linked to leaves them open to the charge of partiality. Regardless of what happens to Gerry Adams, pursuing the leader of Sinn Fein while the state refuses to independently investigate Pat Finucane , Ballymurphy and Dublin/Monaghan damages the peace process threatening all that has been achieved. The failure to create a mechanism that deals with the past will prove to be the greatest failure of the peace process.A media driven agenda to damage Sinn Fein has given this case added impetus while other equally horrendous crimes are forgotten. I think a truth Commission is more likely to wield justice for victims. Remember any convictions for crimes before GFA only hold a maximum two year sentence.
How ironic it would be if Adams is charged and found guilty of murder but not being a member of the IRA. The GFA wouldn’t apply and he’d get a lengthy sentence like any other person found guilty of murder…
Your masturbatory fantasies are very strange indeed.
There is going to be many annoyed people tonight and unsettled tensions.
So which is it journal,He was arrested under the terrorist act 2000 and can be held for up to 7 days? Or they keep on asking for extension as merely questioning.
Can someone clear this up please.
The fire brigade were called to Gerry Adams’ house tonight.
His pants were on fire.
I hope he gets overtime for this extra work.
Sorry Were Jammin, real republicans lost all respect for Provisional SF along time ago
After seeing the interview on RTE with Tom Gilmartins son…. Watch it! It shows what a corrupt little country we live in!!!
Without sounding biased in anyway… what exactly is this whole “terrorism” law about? Somebody can be held and questioned, against their will, for 7 days on the word of a judge? Now I’m no advocate of the IRA or any other “terrorist” group but I think we’ve all seen exactly what a politically appointed judge can do this week. I’m very interested to see what the outcome will be but I really find the whole thing “Go Amurica!” at this stage.
Stop getting carried away everyone he had nothing to do with it,
One doesn’t fight with pigs in the mud.
He’s a seasoned negotiator, so put on the kettle and let’s not be seen to doubt his vision.They have a well practiced play book which might need a new cover but is securely binded.
Well that’s his bank holiday ruined lol
I’d say one thing for gerry ” he stuck to his guns”
We are in a catch 22 situation here.
If the psni catch their man, great job.
If it turns out to be Jerry, who worked hard on the peace process, then he and his party are screwed.
The after effect of all this is frightening. It could be morally wrong even if Adems is guilty. Not worth 1 more life. Let him out and he retires. Keep him inside and he starts where he left off years ago. I suggest he be released and ask the family of they want more blood on the hands of their children and future grandchildren. FREE GERRY NOW.
It is not those that can inflict the most ..
But those that can endure the most …
who will ultimately triumph…..
Remember the old 1918 slogan used down the years
Vote him in to get him out!
It was a WAR… Peopel die. Get over it
There are some amount of hypocrites commenting on this article. Firstly while the majority of you sit there acting as judge and jury you forget this man has not been found guilty yet. So I guess Innocent until proven guilty doesn’t mean a thing to some of you.
Secondly part of our country was at war. People living daily with paranoia and fear. While the other part of the country people were tucked up safely at night with not a care in the world. In other words you will never no what it’s like to survive in them circumstances so don’t be so quick to judge.
Thirdly our own nation is tainted in such war crimes. During our own war for Independence it was almost a regular occurrence that people suspected of giving information to the British were took out the road an disposed off. Fueled by paranoia the Old IRA of which Michael Collins commanded killed Hundreds of innocent Irish men and Women.
Not trying to justify Murder here but how can this country move forward with peace when people keep dragging up the past.
Just wondering, was he arrested and questioned about this before? If so, why was there charges then? What makes this time different or where has the idea for him to go to them come from after all this time?
The cult of Kim Jong Gerry is alive and well.
Finally time for Adams to start telling the truth, he has made a career out of denying the truth, so time to man up Gerry. Interesting also to see the Shinners threatening to withdraw support for the Police should Adams be charged. This is pathetic, and a case of throwing the baby out with the the bathwater, you either support the Police or not, it can’t be on an ad hoc basis.
Perhaps the PNSI require an extension because the bold Gerry is just staring at a spot on the wall and saying nothing. Isn’t this how IRA members were trained to behave when questioned or was that MI5 agents?
Do ye reckon he is getting a good sleep and food there?
GERRY ADAMS GETHSEMANE http://goo.gl/1l2tam
He’s a terrorist now? That’s some bad psychological torture
opinions are worthless in a flawed construct which is supposed to support the good of the average individual.
have your say