Gerry Adams Addresses Court on Role in Peace Process
Gerry Adams has testified in a London civil trial that he used his "influence" as a republican to help transition from conflict to peace, while maintaining that he has always been truthful about his involvement.
Adams, 77, is appearing at the High Court for the second day, responding to allegations that he played a part in major IRA bombing decisions. The case involves three men seeking a ruling that Adams is personally liable for injuries they sustained in explosions in London and Manchester.
He has consistently denied holding any position or rank within the IRA and refuted any involvement in the bombings.
Denial of IRA Membership and Role
On Wednesday, the former Sinn Féin leader rejected suggestions that he remains in "denial" about his alleged IRA role.
During questioning, Adams was shown a photograph featuring himself and the late Brendan Hughes at Long Kesh prison. Hughes was known as a hunger striker and officer commanding of the IRA.
Sir Max Hill KC, representing the claimants, asked Adams if Hughes was "like a brother to him and he to you." Adams replied that they had been "very good friends."
When Sir Max suggested they were "fellow IRA operatives and IRA volunteers," Adams responded:
"That is not true."
Accusations of Denial
Sir Max referenced interviews cited in the book Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe, where former IRA member Hughes allegedly spoke about Adams' involvement.
"You're in denial about your role in the IRA to this day,"
Sir Max stated.
Adams replied:
"No, I tell the truth on that issue."
He further added:
"I don't deny that I was a person of some interest, a republican of some influence and I used that influence as best I could to move from war to peace."
Details of the Claimants and Legal Arguments
The legal action was initiated by John Clark, a victim of the 1973 Old Bailey bomb, along with Jonathan Ganesh and Barry Laycock, who were injured in the 1996 attacks in London's Docklands and Manchester's Arndale Shopping Centre, respectively.
They are seeking £1 each in "vindicatory" damages.
Adams' legal team has argued that the case relies on "an assortment of hearsay" and is being brought after an excessive delay of several decades.
They contend that the claim should be subject to the three-year limitation period established by legislation enacted in 1980.
Trial Progress and Legal Context
The trial is now in its seventh day, presided over by Mr Justice Swift.
After hearing evidence from 11 witnesses for the claimants, Adams began his testimony on Tuesday and is expected to be the sole witness in his defense.
Due to a pre-trial ruling, Adams cannot recover his legal costs from the claimants, which are believed to amount to six figures, even if he successfully defends the case.
Adams was previously charged with IRA membership in 1978, but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
His only convictions from the Troubles era, related to two attempted prison escapes while interned without trial in the mid-1970s, were overturned in 2020.
He has faced court questioning about his alleged IRA past before, including at the Ballymurphy inquest in Belfast in 2019 and during a libel case against the BBC in Dublin in 2025.
