Sinn Féin response to Gerry Adams video is disgraceful to IRA victims – Currie

THE acceptance by Sinn Féin representatives that no apologies are necessary to the victims of IRA terrorists following a video by former leader Gerry Adams is further proof the party neither reflects, nor wants to achieve, a new inclusive Ireland.

Senator Emer Currie said, “The appearance of former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams in a Christmas video that said ‘they haven’t gone away you know’ has caused huge upset to many people and is a mark of complete disrespect to all victims of the IRA.

“The online video has since been removed. However, we are yet to hear anything from Gerry Adams or his successor Deputy Mary Lou McDonald.

“While Deputy Eoin Ó Broin yesterday said Gerry Adams should apologise in relation to the video, Deputies Matt Carthy and David Cullinane today stated they don’t believe there is any need for an apology.

“What does party leader Deputy Mary Lou McDonald make of her members holding completely conflicting opinions on this issue? Does Deputy McDonald herself believe Gerry Adams should apologise?

“Live on air today, both Deputy Matt Carthy and Deputy David Cullinane defended Gerry Adams’ actions. Deputy Carthy went as far as saying that some people would find the video funny.

“Saying that somebody could find this funny when families will sit beside empty chairs this Christmas, many of whom are still longing and searching for truth and justice, is a disgrace.

“Those who defend Gerry Adams’ actions this week have no right to lecture anyone about building a new, shared or reconciled Ireland. Sinn Féin defended the actions of its forces at the time of killings during the Troubles, and it continues to do so now.  Gerry Adams’ recent video only serves to prove that point.

“This issue underlines one thing; Sinn Féin are incapable of bringing people together. So much reconciliation is needed, and so much hurt has yet to be healed, but based on this video and the utter disrespect being shown to victims, Sinn Féin have no intention in prioritising either,” concluded Senator Currie.