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Updated 4.28pm
GERRY ADAMS HAS said he has no control over former members of the IRA, but he does not think the organisation was involved in the murder of Kevin McGuigan.
The Sinn Féin president was speaking after it emerged the party’s northern chairman Bobby Storey was one of three men arrested this morning in connection to the killing last month.
Adams said no member of Sinn Féin was involved in McGuigan’s death and he doesn’t believe the IRA played a role either.
He said the IRA no longer exists and Sinn Féin is the only republican organisation in the country.
Adams described Storey as “a valued member of our national leadership and a person of great integrity”, adding: “He’s been charged with nothing.”
When asked if he could influence former Republicans to come forward if they had information in relation to the murder, Adams said he does not has possess this type of control “no more than Enda Kenny can be responsible former members of Fine Gael or Micheál Martin can be responsible former members of Fianna Fáil”.
He called on anyone who has information about the killing come forward as those involved “need to face due process”.
Unionists
The killing has sparked a crisis in Northern Ireland’s power-sharing executive.
In the course of investigation the McGuigan shooting, PSNI superintendent Kevin Geddes suggested that members of the PIRA were involved.
Adams said threats by Unionists parties to withdraw from the Northern executive over recent developments are an attempt “exclude” Sinn Féin voters from the political process.
First Minister Peter Robinson has called for the assembly to be adjourned.
Peter Robinson / Twitter1/2) These events were predicted in my statement on Monday. No one can be above the law. That is why we sought adjournment of the Assembly.
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) September 9, 2015
Peter Robinson / Twitter2/2) We will do so again. Hopefully the UUP will support us this time rather than voting with SF for business as usual.
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) September 9, 2015
The BBC is reporting that the other two men arrested today are “well-known republicans”.
Earlier, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness said he was “surprised to learn about the arrest”.
“Bobby Storey is a valued member of Sinn Féin’s core leadership.”
He has played a leading role in the development of Sinn Féin’s peace strategy and is a long standing and loyal supporter, defender and advocate of the peace and political processes.
“We look forward with confidence to his early release.”
This evening a, spokesperson for the Taoiseach confirmed that Enda Kenny phoned McGuinness earlier to discuss this morning’s arrests during what was a 1o to 15 minute “business-like” conversation.
“The Taoiseach informed Martin McGuinness of his view that Sinn Féin had responsibilities to ensure that the talks continue and the Executive is supported. Everybody has that responsibility,” the spokesperson said.
The PSNI said it will not be commenting on the arrests.
McGuigan was shot dead in Belfast last month. A total of sixteen people have been arrested in connection with his murder.
- additional reporting from Hugh O’Connell
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Lived there for many years. Left after 3 muggings……1 at knifepoint. Most knife crime there is focused in a certain community but people and police are reluctant to point this out as they fear being called racist
Stab capital London. No end in sight
@GloryManUnited2019: it was never as bad here as it is there in fairness!
@Dave Dublin: Be fair Dave, Not all English people are like that.
That’s what you call a scatter gun approach.
That would be justified if the victim had 39 stab wounds
@Paul: one is guilty the others are preventing the police from finding out the truth. They be charged with, with holding evidence, interfering with an investigation etc.
@Paul: what a stupid comment…..
@Jim Buckley Barrett: One or more may the alleged attacker/s. No guilty until tried and convicted
@Paul: be
@Pat O Brien: I hope the victim recovers but I think arresting 39 people at a party who may know nothing is a bit excessive
@Paul: or who may know everything
@Paul: all were in proximity to the alleged attackers and all refused to cooperate, which makes all potential accessories after the fact.
39 people arrested for attemped murder. Sounds like the plot of an Agatha christie novel.
How big was the knife?
Was he Julius Caesar?
Arrested 39 people my arse.
@Bluey: your point? Try and use full meaningful sentences.
@Jim Buckley Barrett: Did it upset you Jim?
@Bluey: are you implying that they didn’t in fact arrest 39 people and despite initially refusing to cooperate that they all then simultaneously had a change of heart and voluntarily accompanied the police to various stations to give statements?
@Jim Buckley Barrett: I think his point could be he believes the police to be economical with the truth. That’s what the “39 my arse” would indicate to me anyway could be wrong like
have your say