Adams again denies IRA membership

on 30/09/2012 13:23:13

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has once again insisted he was not a member of the IRA or a member of its Army Council.

Gerry Adams has been responding to remarks made by the Taoiseach last night, who said the Louth TD was a leading member of the provisionals.

Enda Kenny said he based his view on what he has seen and heard, and called on Mr Adams to admit his involvement in the IRA.

However, the Sinn Féin leader rejected the Taoiseach's claim, and accused Mr Kenny of attempting to shift the spotlight from the controversy surrounding the Health Minister.

"First of all it's untrue, and I've been very consistent in my position on this for a very long time," he said.

"Secondly, it's a complete distraction that we should even be talking about this.

"Clearly, this assertion by the Taoiseach at this time is an attempt to distract public attention away from his own governance and his ability to ignore what's being done by Minister Reilly."

Further statement from Gerry Adams

"It is now becoming tedious that every time this government feels under pressure it raises this issue of me being in the IRA. It is nonsense and the Taoiseach knows this.

"This is another desperate and transparent attempt to deflect attention from the failures of Mr Kenny's government.

"Unemployment and emigration are at record levels. The economy is on the floor. Urban areas of this country are ravaged by the activities of organized crime.

"Meanwhile this government is marked by incompetence and incoherence as evidenced by the resignation of Minister of State Róisín Shortall.

"This coalition is up to its neck in the same 'stroke politics' that people rejected at the last General Election.

"Mr Kenny continues to turn a blind eye to the disgraceful behaviour of Health Minister James Reilly.

"The latest example of this is his action in subverting and undermining the HSE consultation into the future of The Cottage Hospital in Drogheda.

"Minister Reilly's actions and those of government TDs Fergus O'Dowd and Gerald Nash is one of the worst examples in recent years of 'stroke politics'.

"It would suit the Taoiseach better to focus his attention on these issues. The first thing he should do is replace Dr Reilly."