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'I am innocent' and 7 other things Gerry Adams had to say tonight

“I am an activist. This is the life I have. This is part of it.”

GERRY ADAMS RECEIVED a rapturous round of applause when he entered the room where Sinn Féin were holding a press conference tonight following the release from custody of its president.

Wearing jeans, a suit jacket, white shirt and red tie, the 65-year-old sipped on a blackcurrant drink from a plastic bottle as colleague Mary Lou McDonald welcomed him back into the fold.

Adams began his address in the Irish language and thanked his solicitor and all those people who had sent messages of goodwill to the family.

Here are eight topics the Sinn Féin president broached during the much-anticipated news conference.

Innocence 

“I am innocent of any involvement or conspiracy to abduct, kill or bury Ms McConville,” he said near the top of proceedings.

He noted that he was “conscious” that there was another family – the McConvilles – at the heart of these events. He said he continues to work for the return of the Disappeared, those men and women who were killed by the IRA and secretly buried.

He sent a message to Michael McConville that the death of his mother in 1972 was a “grave injustice”.

H-Block

Adams said he was “mindful” that tomorrow is the anniversary of the death of hunger striker Bobby Sands in H-Blocks at the Maze prison.

“Sitting in my cell in recent days, I reflected on the dreadful summer of 1981,” he told reporters, adding that we are no longer in those days and that Sinn Féin’s focus is now on peace.

“Peace needs to be built with determination and a focus…that is Sinn Féin’s constant endeavour.”

The Life of an Activist

Adams said that he “bears no animosity to anyone”, although he understands that he has detractors and opponents.

He said he chose to live his life as an activist and, with that, comes events such as the past five days.

I am an activist. This is the life I have. This is part of it.

It could have been done differently

Adams said he did not want to be treated differently to other detainees but he criticised the manner of his detention.

“I did not go expecting special treatment but crucial everyone is treated fairly.

“They did not have to use pernicious, coercive legislation,” he said.

I make the case that those who authorised my arrest and detention could have done it differently. They had discretion.

He also said that those with authority could have chosen a different time – one that was not in the middle of election campaigns.

This event, serious though it was… happened 42 years ago. There was no flight, no risk.

“They opted for a piece of legislation that should have been kicked out…That is my objection. It’s the old guard using old methods.”

Despite his complaints, Adams confirmed his ongoing support for policing and the PSNI in Northern Ireland.

The IRA Question

“I have never disassociated myself with the IRA and I never will,” he said, adding, “The IRA is gone. It’s finished.”

Asked whether the interrogation also involved accusations of being a member of the IRA – something that Adams has always denied – he said the questioning covered everything from the time he was 18 months old.

“I am serious,” he noted after a burst of laughter from the room.

Adams described it as a “phased interrogation” and told reporters that police taped 33 interviews over the five days.

Charges?

“For all I know, I could still face charges,” he said, telling the room that the suspicions are entirely based on “these Boston tapes, mish-mash of newspaper articles, books, open source material”.

He also said that people should not be “mesmerised” by the Boston Tapes as they were made by what he called “disgruntled, anti-peace process individuals who represent nobody”.

He rejected all the allegations made about him by Brendan Hughes, Dolours Price and others in the Boston Tapes.

He revealed that he was told by police that the accusations were made by interviewees who were characterised by a letter – such as Interviewee R.

What was police detention like?

“It was OK,” Adams answered to a loud laugh from the gathered crowd of supporters and journalists.

However, he later added that the food was inedible and impossible to digest.

Another light-hearted moment came when a young girl asked him if he was OK. Adams replied as Gaeilge, telling her he is wonderful and that it was nice to meet her.

Working with Peter Robinson

Adams insisted that Sinn Féin is ‘wedded’ to the idea of a new political dispensation and that Peter Robinson is a partner in that.

“We have work to do with him and we will continue to do that.”

Earlier…

It is understood that Adams wanted to leave the police station through the front gates early this evening but there were security concerns over the growing number of loyalist protesters gathered outside.

pic

Police in riot gear drove vehicles out the front gate and attempted to move the crowds. In the meantime, the Sinn Féin president left through another entrance.

In a separate development, the head of the Public Prosecution Service said he would hand down Adams’s case file to his deputy. Barra McGrory’s ability to decide on whether charges should be brought was questioned because of his previous connections with Adams. He had previously acted as his solicitor.

UPDATE: Gerry Adams released without charge

VIDEOS: Sinn Féin senior figures stand by their leader – and look ahead

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284 Comments
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    Mute John Meade
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:08 PM

    I thought Labour would be decimated in the next election, looks like they will be decimated by their own members if this keeps up, bye bye labour and take all your lies with you.

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    Mute Jim Flavin
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:10 PM

    ”bye bye labour and take all your lies with you.”
    Thankfully neither FG nor FF told us lies . Great that we have them to fall back on .

    32
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    Mute John Meade
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:20 PM

    I know, its a shit situation to be in Jim, but bad behaviour should not be rewarded regardless of the alternative, none of the major parties will be getting a sniff of a vote from me ever again, i know the IND’s are no better but i WILL punish labour for its lies, FG for its implementation of FF policy and FF for being FF and for what FF has done to this country,

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    Mute Rick MacRory
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:45 PM

    John
    It seems as if you’re full of hatred and bitterness. In such circumstances you have limited options and I’m sure you have explored all of those. But just in case……..! Perhaps you could enter politics yourself and gain first hand experience of the difficulties faced by all of the Parties as the economic situation ran out of control. Promises or undertakings you made last week in good faith could no longer be honoured as the situation deteriorated or your understanding of it grew. Options available to you became limited and you had to decide what was best in the common interest.
    Alternatively perhaps you have unreasonable expectations and you expected politicians you voted for to do your selfish bidding no matter what damage was done to the general good. Let’s all be honest and remember that once the Bailout happened we had to honour the conditions of the Loans or be shunned within the international Comminity with whom we trade. But I guess you understand all of that and if I take you at face value I believe you’re just a selfish person who wants politicians to do what they promise no matter what damage is done to the common good or alternatively you support another Party and are just trying to cause mischief.

    13
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    Mute Porsche Boy
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    Jun 21st 2013, 7:15 PM

    What the damn hell are you crapping on about Rory??? Gilmore wont even meet with his labour councillors. This isnt about not being able to live up to every point in the program for government, its about a party leader that has effectively let the party implode for the sake of a shot in government. Seriously if your going to comment on a post at least be sure what your talking about.

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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Jun 21st 2013, 8:28 PM

    And hopefully fg ff liars begin to follow suit but I wouldn’t bet on it as they all the same.

    17
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    Mute John Meade
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    Jun 21st 2013, 8:34 PM

    Don’t make me laugh, “limited options”, is that what you call promising to protect child benefit and then rowing back because you have limited options, there were many options open to this coalition, they chose the wrong options, and labour turned their back on the people who voted them in, we voted for change, we got lies and more lies, more austerity and more pain, so don’t blame me if i’m bitter, i’m more than bitter, i’m furious, and i think if you look at the red and green thumbs ups on this issue i’m in the vast majority here, run along back to your LAB lackeys and convince them their doing a great job, your wasting your time here.

    23
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    Mute John Meade
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    Jun 21st 2013, 9:19 PM

    I think Rory got summoned to a Labour EGM, he’s been fierce quiet and i see his comment earlier went down like a lead balloon, some people ?

    10
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    Mute JakkiB
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    Jun 21st 2013, 4:52 PM

    Keep giving them the rope lads!

    171
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    Mute Graham Kiely
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    Jun 21st 2013, 4:48 PM

    Keep the ball rolling……

    162
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    Mute Vincent F
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:07 PM

    More like its election year in county councils next year and they are thinking the will get out of labour now before they go looking for votes at doors and tell people the left on principle and not just a ploy to try retain their seats!

    63
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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Jun 21st 2013, 4:58 PM

    That non debating issue Kenny has must be catching. Labour on the way out :-)

    134
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    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:10 PM

    Kennys killing them off. Yet he doesn’t know it and labour allow it

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:27 PM

    Killing Them Softly.

    51
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    Mute Declan
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    Jun 21st 2013, 4:55 PM

    Damage limitation exercise nothing more. Rats deserting a sinking ship to save their personal credibility and protect their future election prospects. Politicians are nothing more than self servers working the rooms of life to benefit their hungry appetite in order to keep themselves in their cozy cartels.

    124
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    Mute Aidan murray
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    Jun 21st 2013, 4:58 PM

    R I P labour

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    Mute Vincent F
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:09 PM

    People said that about FF but alas people forget.

    31
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    Mute Pat Enright
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:10 PM

    Jump from sinking ship before the Local Elections.

    86
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    Mute Con Ó Domhnaill
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:11 PM

    Eeny, meeny, miny, moe … should I stay or should I go now…. to save my well paid career in politics! That is the burning question facing each and every Labour Party elected representative. My advice – go. NOW!

    75
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    Mute Chris Murray
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:07 PM

    shame on the labour party. god might forgive them but we will not.

    72
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    Mute JakkiB
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:10 PM

    Get rid of the all Councils and Lord Mayors and those in the Dail do their job they are locally elected to do and MEPs do the European work, This gravy train has to stop!!

    67
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    Mute Killian Lynch
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:52 PM

    If you get rid of the councils then the Dail will become even more about parish pump politics. Give the councils more power so that the Dail can actually be a national legislature and politicians will be forced to get votes by actually doing their jobs.

    25
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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:14 PM

    Labour exchange?
    They’re just fast-tracking the inevitable by resigning now.

    58
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    Mute Ru Ni Digs
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:28 PM

    “People voted for Labour because they wanted a change, but Labour has very much failed to deliver on their mandate.”

    A day late and a dollar short.Most of the electorate knew Labour had failed 2 years ago!!!

    51
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    Mute Damocles
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:11 PM

    Hmm … Labour isn’t working.

    49
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    Mute Laura O'Reilly
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:17 PM

    I can see a new labour forming after this EU presidency is over

    41
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    Mute John Meade
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:23 PM

    Yep, and the irish electorate will vote for them in droves, god help us

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:24 PM

    The could call it Democratic Left.

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:25 PM

    *they

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    Mute Ru Ni Digs
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:06 PM

    Of course they will John,just look how they fall over themselves when it comes to Roisin Shortall and Colm Keaveney!!!

    17
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    Mute Desmond O'Toole
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    Jun 21st 2013, 4:56 PM

    Somewhat perplexed at the comment by councillor Fortune. Eamon is especially accessible to Labour’s public representatives and to the party’s members. Last weekend he attended the LP’s Summer School in Cork and spoke with pretty much everyone there, myself included. Sounds like these two councillors are looking more to their seats rather than to any policy or personal difference with the LP or its leader.

    39
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    Mute Bruce
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    Jun 21st 2013, 7:39 PM

    Too bad he wouldn’t focus on keeping his promises the Crook.

    14
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    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
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    Jun 21st 2013, 8:08 PM

    I hear what you are saying, Desmond, and I tend to agree with you. I believe these councillors are motivated by self preservation rather than ideology. That said, as a lifelong labour voter (not a partymember) I will never vote Labour again. I e mailed Mr Gilmore several months ago to congratulate him on presiding over the demise of the Labour party, and believe me it gave me no pleasure to do it.

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    Mute Jack Brolin
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:20 PM

    I find it incredibly interesting how they held out until now to back out.

    Do they still get their huge pensions now, regardless of an incomplete term?
    Also interesting if they do, that they waited just a couple of months after the minimum term to get that pension is complete.

    Can somebody enlighten me?

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    Mute Damocles
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:26 PM
    17
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    Mute Damian Moran
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:47 PM

    Pensions secured the old guard
    .ie labour minsters are sorted for the
    Rest of their lives. They will hang on to
    the big salary for as long as possible
    in end game mode.

    33
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    Mute BadDrivingIreland
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:25 PM

    Labour is in labour, in labour of non existence.

    24
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    Mute Stephen O'Neill
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:52 PM

    Gilmore is too busy giving our money to war criminals in Syria and chancers in Africa to give a damn about his own crowd. I guess Frankfurt’s way wouldn’t have been so bad after all!

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    Mute Barry Humphreys
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    Jun 21st 2013, 8:32 PM

    Eamon hasn’t got the time to meet these lower class members,he’s too busy feathering his own nest

    18
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    Mute Gerald Gallagher
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    Jun 21st 2013, 7:16 PM

    Well labour knew the conditions attached to the bailout loans before the election and yet they lied its labour’s way our frankfurt’s
    Sure its what we do to get elected quote Pat Rabbitte.

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    Mute W.j.d.
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:51 PM

    Joining the greens….. Or in other words, where does the waste go…

    14
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    Mute Jim Ky
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    Jun 21st 2013, 6:04 PM

    These guys want to get reelected to the handy little part time job and think they will have shaken off the yoke of the Labour Party over the next 12 months

    13
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    Mute Andrew Murphy
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    Jun 21st 2013, 5:47 PM

    How many hours a day should Gilmore sending meeting his Councillors? Only he is Tanaiste and Foreign Minister during our Presidency of the EU’s Council of Ministers.

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    Mute Paddy Cole
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    Jun 21st 2013, 7:21 PM

    How ruddy bloody brave of them

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    Mute Dermot O'Reilly
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    Jun 22nd 2013, 4:59 PM

    It’s time for all decent honest people to leave. The Labour Party.

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    Mute Michael G O'Reilly
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    Jun 22nd 2013, 10:54 AM

    Go on Anne Ferris ….jump ship now !

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